Not currently on display at the V&A

Andrea Chenier

Design
1959 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Design for a stage costume for an unidentified character, probably the Abbe, (a poet) in a production of <i>Andrea Chenier</i>, created by Leslie Hurry, 1959. The Abbe was played by John Chorley.

Andrea Chenier by Umberto Giordano & Luigi Illica translated by Tom Hammond was produced by Anthony Besch for Sadler's Wells Opera initially at Coventry Theatre on 11 September 1959, and toured before its official premiere Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London on 13 October 1959.

Andrea Chenier was first produced at La Scala, Milan in 1896 but is not frequently performed in Britain. It is based loosely on the life of the French poet, André Chénier (1762-1794), who was executed during the French Revolution. The opera was chosen to open Sadler’s Wells Theatre after the building of a new proscenium arch for the stage and improved acoustics.

A review published in The Times 14th October, 1959, noted that ‘the sets and dresses by Leslie Hurry had the authentic French Revolutionary appearance.’






Object details

Category
Object type
TitleAndrea Chenier (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Black ink, watercolour and pencil drawing
Brief description
Design for a stage costume for an unidentified character, probably the Abbe, (a poet) in a production of Andrea Chenier, created by Leslie Hurry, 1959
Physical description
Design for a stage costume for an unidentified character, probably the Abbe, (a poet) in a production of Andrea Chenier, created by Leslie Hurry, 1959.

The design shows two full length male figures and is executed in tones of black and dark green. The figure on the left is dressed in a ragged and stained coat, his hat, with a round brim and low crown, is also tattered. He is standing, facing the other figure, with his right hand outstretched. The figure on the right is dressed in a formal long coat which reaches to below his knees, this is worn over wide breeches. He is also wearing a clerical collar and is holding a rolled piece of paper in his left hand.
Dimensions
  • Height: 45.6cm
  • Width: 29.9cm
Marks and inscriptions
'Leslie Hurry' (Handwritten signature, pencil, base of the design)
Credit line
Given by Mrs Caro Rathbone
Literary referenceAndrea Chenier
Summary
Design for a stage costume for an unidentified character, probably the Abbe, (a poet) in a production of <i>Andrea Chenier</i>, created by Leslie Hurry, 1959. The Abbe was played by John Chorley.

Andrea Chenier by Umberto Giordano & Luigi Illica translated by Tom Hammond was produced by Anthony Besch for Sadler's Wells Opera initially at Coventry Theatre on 11 September 1959, and toured before its official premiere Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London on 13 October 1959.

Andrea Chenier was first produced at La Scala, Milan in 1896 but is not frequently performed in Britain. It is based loosely on the life of the French poet, André Chénier (1762-1794), who was executed during the French Revolution. The opera was chosen to open Sadler’s Wells Theatre after the building of a new proscenium arch for the stage and improved acoustics.

A review published in The Times 14th October, 1959, noted that ‘the sets and dresses by Leslie Hurry had the authentic French Revolutionary appearance.’




Collection
Accession number
S.1880-2014

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Record createdAugust 14, 2014
Record URL
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