Not currently on display at the V&A

Illustrated poster advertising the programme at the Bower Theatre, 21-25 June 1870

Playbill
1870 (printed)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The Bower Theatre in London's Stangate Street, Lambeth, formerly known as the Bower Saloon, was originally attached to the Duke's Tavern and operated as a place of entertainment from 1837 until 1878. During the 1850s when owned by Victor Hazelton it made its name for the production of melodramas starring dogs. This poster features woodcut images which were particularly good for attracting the attention of passers-by, especially those who couldn't read, when they saw them on the streets. The clientele of the Bower Theatre, which advertised itself in the 1860s as 'the only theatre for the working classes', would have included many of those, attracted by low ticket prices, action-packed productions including melodrama, farce and nautical drama, and the availability of alcohol, the sale of which was a popular feature of 19th century theatres like the Bower that styled themselves as saloons.

Victor Hazelton owned and managed the theatre from 1855 until 1876. An unusual note on this poster states that 'Persons wishing to Cross the Stage can do so by paying 1d extra to any Part of the House.' The audiences at the Bower were well known for their rowdy behaviour. Presumably this fee was designed to stop them walking on stage - or make a profit when they did!


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleIllustrated poster advertising the programme at the Bower Theatre, 21-25 June 1870 (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Printing ink on paper; letterpress and woodcut
Brief description
Illustrated poster advertising the programme at the Bower Theatre, 21-25 June 1870. Woodcut and letterpress printed by E.J. Bath
Physical description
Poster advertising productions at the Bower Theatre from 21st to 25th June 1870 under the ownership and management of Victor Hazelton of 43, Upper Marsh, Lambeth. Printed in blue ink on white paper, illustrated with five woodcut images, one from Pizarro showing Rolla rescuing Alonzo's infant son, and four of scenes from The String of Pearls, or, Sweeney Todd The Barber of Fleet Street, to be presented on Tuesday June 21st 1870 starring Elliott King as Sweeney Todd, followed by the drama Matthew Grey. Also advertising Pizarro, or, The Death of Rolla starring Elliott King as Rolla on 23rd June for the Benefit of Elliott King; Prisoner and His Victim on 22nd and 23rd June 1870, and Two Galley Slaves on Saturday 25th June 1870 ! featuring Mr. Elliott King and the whole Company. The poster also notes: 'Persons wishing to Cross the Stage can do so by paying 1d extra to any Part of the House.'
Dimensions
  • Height: 76.0cm
  • Width: 51.0cm
Credit line
Gabrielle Enthoven Collection
Summary
The Bower Theatre in London's Stangate Street, Lambeth, formerly known as the Bower Saloon, was originally attached to the Duke's Tavern and operated as a place of entertainment from 1837 until 1878. During the 1850s when owned by Victor Hazelton it made its name for the production of melodramas starring dogs. This poster features woodcut images which were particularly good for attracting the attention of passers-by, especially those who couldn't read, when they saw them on the streets. The clientele of the Bower Theatre, which advertised itself in the 1860s as 'the only theatre for the working classes', would have included many of those, attracted by low ticket prices, action-packed productions including melodrama, farce and nautical drama, and the availability of alcohol, the sale of which was a popular feature of 19th century theatres like the Bower that styled themselves as saloons.

Victor Hazelton owned and managed the theatre from 1855 until 1876. An unusual note on this poster states that 'Persons wishing to Cross the Stage can do so by paying 1d extra to any Part of the House.' The audiences at the Bower were well known for their rowdy behaviour. Presumably this fee was designed to stop them walking on stage - or make a profit when they did!
Collection
Accession number
S.327-2016

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Record createdJune 30, 2016
Record URL
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