Not currently on display at the V&A

Mr. F. Robson as Jem Baggs [sic] in The Wandering Minstrel

Print
ca. 1853 (published)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This print shows the diminutive ballad singer, actor and comedian Frederick Robson as the character Jem Bags, the bedraggled Cockney street singer that he played in the one act farce The Wandering Minstrel at the Olympic Theatre in May 1853. The song Villikins and his Dinah (or Vilikins and his Dinah) that Robson sang as Jem Bags at the end of the farce became the hit of the season and became known in English speaking countries around the world.

Robson (1821-1864) who was born in Margate Thomas Brownhill, became a star of the Olympic Theatre and eventually one of its managers. He had a great talent for burlesque, or performances that parodied the originals, and one of his starring roles was his imitation of Adelaide Ristori as Medea. He became a great favourite of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert who invited him to Windsor Castle for several command performances


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleMr. F. Robson as Jem Baggs [sic] in The Wandering Minstrel (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Engraving on paper
Brief description
Frederick Robson as Jem Bags in The Wandering Minstrel, Olympic Theatre, May 1853, published by Lea's Illustrated British Drama, London, Harry Beard Collection
Physical description
Engraving of Frederick Robson as Jem Baggs in the Wandering Minstrel.
Dimensions
  • Height: 19cm
  • Width: 12cm
Credit line
Harry R. Beard Collection, given by Isobel Beard.
Subject depicted
Summary
This print shows the diminutive ballad singer, actor and comedian Frederick Robson as the character Jem Bags, the bedraggled Cockney street singer that he played in the one act farce The Wandering Minstrel at the Olympic Theatre in May 1853. The song Villikins and his Dinah (or Vilikins and his Dinah) that Robson sang as Jem Bags at the end of the farce became the hit of the season and became known in English speaking countries around the world.

Robson (1821-1864) who was born in Margate Thomas Brownhill, became a star of the Olympic Theatre and eventually one of its managers. He had a great talent for burlesque, or performances that parodied the originals, and one of his starring roles was his imitation of Adelaide Ristori as Medea. He became a great favourite of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert who invited him to Windsor Castle for several command performances
Associated objects
Collection
Accession number
S.2252-2013

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Record createdMay 31, 2013
Record URL
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