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Harry Beard Print Collection
Wilhelm, born 1858 - died 1925 - Enlarge image
Harry Beard Print Collection
- Object:
Drawing
- Date:
1888 (designed)
- Artist/Maker:
Wilhelm, born 1858 - died 1925 (artist)
- Materials and Techniques:
Water colour over pen and ink drawing
- Credit Line:
Harry R. Beard Collection, given by Isobel Beard
- Museum number:
S.28-2010
- Gallery location:
In Storage
This costume design is for Marie Williams as Eurymachus, possibly in the 'Ballet Divertissement' Antiope at the Alhambra Theatre, Leicester Square, where in June 1888 the Italian choreographer Eugenio Casati mounted a dramatic ballet set in Classical Greece about the Queen of Ephesus and her fury at her sister Antiope. Antiope and Eurymachus are both characters in Homer's legend The Odyssey and although the name of the character Eurymachus is not credited on the programme, it does feature the name 'Mlle. Marie', a dancer in several productions at the Alhambra who may well have been Marie Williams.
The designer Wilhelm (William Charles Pitcher RI, 1858-1925) was one of the most inventive and prolific late 19th century costume designers, whose early passion for stage spectacle led to his employment designing pantomime costumes for Drury Lane Theatre. His attention to detail and his ability to create visually stunning and decorative costumes, were aspects of his work that appealed to producers and public alike, and led to a constant stream of work.
