- Drawing
- Enlarge image
Drawing
- Object:
Drawing
- Place of origin:
Great Britain (made)
- Date:
1900 (made)
- Materials and Techniques:
Pencil drawing on card, fine-lined with ink
- Credit Line:
Given by Mr and Mrs J. Hill
- Museum number:
S.573-2017
- Gallery location:
In Storage
Dan Leno (real name George Wild Galvin) and Herbert Campbell (born Herbert Edward Storey), were music hall stars and popular comedians in the 19th and early 20th centuries. They worked together in Christmas pantomimes at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane for over 15 years.
This caricature presents the contrasting physiques of the two comedians, particularly Leno's nimble figure. One critic, writing in 1887 for the Penny Illustrated Paper wrote: 'I am inclined to think "the cake" for frolicsome humour is taken by the dapper new-comer, Mr. Dan Leno, who is sketched as the galvanic baroness in the wonderfully amusing dance which sets the house in a roar. The substantial "babes", Mr. Herbert Campbell and Mr. Harry Nicholls, would have no excuse if they did not vie in drollery with the light footed Dan Leno.'
