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Henry Irving costume

Theatre Costume
1871 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Henry Irving (1838-1905) wore this costume when playing the role of Mathias in the The Bells, by Leopold Lewis (1828- 1890) in 1871. Irving's psychologically developed characterisation of the guilt-ridden inn-keeper brought him critical praise and lasting fame. His public never tired of seeing him perform this role, and so he kept The Bells in his repertory of plays up to his final tour, which ended with his death in Bradford.

Irving became a professional actor in 1856, and learned his trade in regional theatres until 1866, when he came to London. He joined the Lyceum Theatre company under the management of H. L. Bateman in 1871, taking on the responsibilities of 'actor-manager' in 1878 when he took over the lease of the theatre, and remained there until 1902, enjoying star status with his leading lady Ellen Terry (1847-1928). Irving produced a diverse range of old and new plays at the Lyceum, including Shakespeare, historical drama, and literary adaptations. His tireless work to elevate the status of the theatrical profession was rewarded in 1895 when he became the first actor ever to receive a knighthood for services to the Theatre.

Irving specialised in spectacularly staged productions with large casts of performers. He commissioned designers and composers to create appropriate scenery, costume and incidental music, played by a full orchestra. Although electric lighting was available from the 1880s, Irving preferred the softer effects of gas, with lime light to focus attention at key points in the play. Irving toured complete productions outside London, taking the full company, scenery and costumes throughout the United Kingdom and across the United States and Canada. The development of the railway system made his the first generation able to achieve this level of touring productions.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 5 parts.
(Some alternative part names are also shown below)
  • Frock Coat
  • Theatre Costume
  • Waistcoat
  • Theatre Costume
  • Breeches
  • Theatre Costume
  • Shoe
  • Theatre Costume
  • Shoe
  • Theatre Costume
TitleHenry Irving costume (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Wool
Brief description
Theatrical costume of coat, waistcoat, breeches and shoes, worn by Henry Irving as Mathias in 'The Bells' by Leopold Lewis, 1871 at the Lyceum under the Batemans' management.
Dimensions
  • Part 2 length: 76cm (Note: shoulder to hem (laid flat))
  • Part 2 width: 45cm (Note: width at widest point (laid flat))
  • Part 2 width: 10cm (Note: neckline)
  • Part 2 weight: 0.5kg
  • Part 2 with its box (other objects included) weight: 4kg
Credit line
Given by the Royal Shakespeare Company
Object history
Museum of London note: 'The crimson rosette mentioned in Holmes 24 is now missing (April 2008).'
Summary
Henry Irving (1838-1905) wore this costume when playing the role of Mathias in the The Bells, by Leopold Lewis (1828- 1890) in 1871. Irving's psychologically developed characterisation of the guilt-ridden inn-keeper brought him critical praise and lasting fame. His public never tired of seeing him perform this role, and so he kept The Bells in his repertory of plays up to his final tour, which ended with his death in Bradford.

Irving became a professional actor in 1856, and learned his trade in regional theatres until 1866, when he came to London. He joined the Lyceum Theatre company under the management of H. L. Bateman in 1871, taking on the responsibilities of 'actor-manager' in 1878 when he took over the lease of the theatre, and remained there until 1902, enjoying star status with his leading lady Ellen Terry (1847-1928). Irving produced a diverse range of old and new plays at the Lyceum, including Shakespeare, historical drama, and literary adaptations. His tireless work to elevate the status of the theatrical profession was rewarded in 1895 when he became the first actor ever to receive a knighthood for services to the Theatre.

Irving specialised in spectacularly staged productions with large casts of performers. He commissioned designers and composers to create appropriate scenery, costume and incidental music, played by a full orchestra. Although electric lighting was available from the 1880s, Irving preferred the softer effects of gas, with lime light to focus attention at key points in the play. Irving toured complete productions outside London, taking the full company, scenery and costumes throughout the United Kingdom and across the United States and Canada. The development of the railway system made his the first generation able to achieve this level of touring productions.
Bibliographic reference
Holmes, Martin. Stage Costumes and Accessories in the London Museum. London : HMSO, 1968 no.24
Other number
56.4/23a to e - Museum of London number
Collection
Accession number
S.2736:1 to 5-2010

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Record createdNovember 3, 2010
Record URL
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