Not currently on display at the V&A

Morris Kestelman set design for Richard III

Design
1944 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This design by Morris Kestelman (1905-1998) was for part of the original set model for the Old Vic Theatre Company's production of Richard III at the New Theatre, London, in September 1944. Directed by John Burrell with costumes designed by Doris Zinkeisen, this wartime production has a legendary ring to it today, starring great British actors - Laurence Olivier as Richard, Ralph Richardson as Richmond and Sybil Thorndike as Margaret. Critics of the day praised the production, and one described the 'sombre pictures' created by the settings as 'grimly effective'.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleMorris Kestelman set design for Richard III (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Gouache and watercolour on cardboard
Brief description
Design by Morris Kestelman for William Shakespeare's Richard III, Old Vic Theatre production, New Theatre 1944
Physical description
Design by Morris Kestelman for William Shakespeare's Richard III, Old Vic Theatre production, New Theatre 1944. The design shows a grey mottled background.
Dimensions
  • Height: 34cm
  • Width: 45cm
Marks and inscriptions
'Richard III Palace Tapestry Screen.' (On reverse side in pencil)
Credit line
Given by Sara Kestelman
Summary
This design by Morris Kestelman (1905-1998) was for part of the original set model for the Old Vic Theatre Company's production of Richard III at the New Theatre, London, in September 1944. Directed by John Burrell with costumes designed by Doris Zinkeisen, this wartime production has a legendary ring to it today, starring great British actors - Laurence Olivier as Richard, Ralph Richardson as Richmond and Sybil Thorndike as Margaret. Critics of the day praised the production, and one described the 'sombre pictures' created by the settings as 'grimly effective'.
Collection
Accession number
S.2073-2014

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Record createdFebruary 20, 2014
Record URL
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