Not currently on display at the V&A

Shakespeare door knocker

Door Knocker
early 20th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Brass door knocker in the form of a bust of William Shakespeare, from the door of Lilian Baylis's office at the Old Vic Theatre.

The image of Shakespeare has been used on numerous decorative and souvenir items. It was an appropriate decoration for the door knocker on the office of Lilian Baylis (1874-1937), the manager of the Old Vic from 1914 until her death, who made the theatre famous for its staging of Shakespeare. Working on a tiny budget, she presented productions which featured some of the great names of 20th century theatre, including Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, Peggy Ashcroft and Edith Evans.




Object details

Category
Object type
TitleShakespeare door knocker
Materials and techniques
Brass
Brief description
Brass door knocker in the form of a bust of William Shakespeare, from the door of Lilian Baylis's office at the Old Vic Theatre.
Physical description
Brass door knocker in the form of a bust of William Shakespeare
Dimensions
  • Height: 7.1cm (maximum)
  • Width: 3.2cm (measured at widest point)
  • Depth: 3cm
Credit line
Given by the British Theatre Museum Association
Object history
This door knocker was acquired by the British Theatre Museum Association from Annette Prevost in May 1974.
Summary
Brass door knocker in the form of a bust of William Shakespeare, from the door of Lilian Baylis's office at the Old Vic Theatre.

The image of Shakespeare has been used on numerous decorative and souvenir items. It was an appropriate decoration for the door knocker on the office of Lilian Baylis (1874-1937), the manager of the Old Vic from 1914 until her death, who made the theatre famous for its staging of Shakespeare. Working on a tiny budget, she presented productions which featured some of the great names of 20th century theatre, including Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, Peggy Ashcroft and Edith Evans.


Other number
1974/A/69 - BTMA accession number
Collection
Accession number
S.406-1984

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Record createdFebruary 24, 2012
Record URL
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