Not currently on display at the V&A

Cloth embroidered with signatures of late 19th century theatre stars

Cloth
ca.1890-1900 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Large square cloth in fine white linen. The central panel of the cloth has been decorated with hand embroidered signatures of leading figures from the nineteenth century theatre, ca.1890-1900. Amongst the twenty-three names hand embroidered in silk thread on the central panel of the cloth, are those of the actor/managers Henry Irving (1838-1902), George Alexander (1858-1918) and Squire Bancroft (1841-1926).


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleCloth embroidered with signatures of late 19th century theatre stars (generic title)
Materials and techniques
White linen, hand embroidered and finished.
Brief description
Square cloth in fine white linen, decorated with hand embroidered signatures of leading theatrical figures, ca.1890-1900
Physical description
Square cloth in fine white linen the central panel of which is decorated with hand embroidered signatures of leading figures from late nineteenth century theatre. Detailing has been added to the corners of the central panel using open and drawn threadwork, the same techniques and motifs have also been used to create a square 'border' which runs around the internal edge of the cloth.
Amongst the twenty-three names hand embroidered in silk thread on the central panel of the cloth are those of the actor/managers Henry Irving (1838-1902), George Alexander (1858-1918) and Squire Bancroft (1841-1926).
Dimensions
  • Length: 86.5cm
  • Width: 84.2cm
Marks and inscriptions
"Seymour Hicks; H.Irving; Ellaline Terriss; George Alexander; Florence Alexander; Cyril Maude; Winifred Emery; Squire Bancroft, Marie Studholme, Edna Mary; C.Hayden Coffin; C. Aubery Smith, C.Coquelin; Eva Moore, Violet [illegible], and Josie[?]" (Hand embroidered signatures across the surface of the cloth.)
Credit line
Gabrielle Enthoven Collection
Object history
Given to the Gabrielle Enthoven Collection by Nancy Price.
Subjects depicted
Summary
Large square cloth in fine white linen. The central panel of the cloth has been decorated with hand embroidered signatures of leading figures from the nineteenth century theatre, ca.1890-1900. Amongst the twenty-three names hand embroidered in silk thread on the central panel of the cloth, are those of the actor/managers Henry Irving (1838-1902), George Alexander (1858-1918) and Squire Bancroft (1841-1926).
Collection
Accession number
S.661-2015

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdMay 27, 2015
Record URL
Download as: JSON