Not currently on display at the V&A

Bust, probably of David Garrick

Bust
late 18th century - early 19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Although this bust is not named, it is very similar in appearance to images of David Garrick (1717-1779) who was recognised by his contemporaries as one of the greatest actors in both comic and tragic roles. Garrick was born in Hereford and came to London in 1737 to work as a wine merchant but made his London debut as an actor in 1741 at Goodman's Fields Theatre as Richard III. He managed the Theatre Royal Drury Lane from 1747 until 1776 and was depicted during his lifetime in many of his most famous roles, especially in paintings by Johann Zoffany (1733-1810).

The fashion for representing actors and actresses in ceramics was at its height in the late 18th century and for most of the 19th century. The star performers of the day could command high salaries wherever they appeared, and since they achieved levels of fame equivalent to that of stars of the music industry in the 20th century, they were frequently represented in paintings, drawings, and prints. These images were reproduced on tiles and jugs, and were used as the basis for busts and figurines to decorate the homes of their admirers.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleBust, probably of David Garrick (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Glazed ceramic
Brief description
Bust, probably representing the actor David Garrick (1717-1779), probably Staffordshire, late 18th or early 19th century
Physical description
Bust on integral beige plinth of man in a grey wig tied at the back in a black ribbon. He wears a green jacket, a white ruffled stock, a tan waistcoat and has a lilac cape around his shoulders.
Dimensions
  • Height: 21.7cm
  • Maximum width, across shoulders width: 14.0cm
Credit line
Accepted by HM Government in lieu of Inheritance Tax and allocated to the Victoria and Albert Museum, 1996
Subject depicted
Summary
Although this bust is not named, it is very similar in appearance to images of David Garrick (1717-1779) who was recognised by his contemporaries as one of the greatest actors in both comic and tragic roles. Garrick was born in Hereford and came to London in 1737 to work as a wine merchant but made his London debut as an actor in 1741 at Goodman's Fields Theatre as Richard III. He managed the Theatre Royal Drury Lane from 1747 until 1776 and was depicted during his lifetime in many of his most famous roles, especially in paintings by Johann Zoffany (1733-1810).

The fashion for representing actors and actresses in ceramics was at its height in the late 18th century and for most of the 19th century. The star performers of the day could command high salaries wherever they appeared, and since they achieved levels of fame equivalent to that of stars of the music industry in the 20th century, they were frequently represented in paintings, drawings, and prints. These images were reproduced on tiles and jugs, and were used as the basis for busts and figurines to decorate the homes of their admirers.
Collection
Accession number
S.1081-1996

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Record createdApril 11, 2006
Record URL
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