Costume designed by Paul Brown, worn by Paul Brennen as Oswald in Purcell's opera King Arthur, co-production between the Royal Opera House, London and the Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris. It opened at the Royal Opera House in May 1995.

S.836:1-2017 (shirt)

Plain black loose cotton shirt with linen cravat style collar. The shirt closes with ties at the gathered collar and is shaped with drawstrings at the cuffs. It is not lined.

There are two labels present at the interior. One at the interior of the neckline reads: 'Oswald played by Paul Brennen'. One at the bottom left seam reads for: 'Guillamar' played by Maxwell Hunt.

S.836:2-2017 (trousers)

Wide black raw silk (or imitation raw silk) trousers with panier effect at the hips. The trousers are secured with a button fly and are lined with black cotton. The fly of the trousers fastens with four buttons (originally a row of covered buttons, but one is now missing and another has been replaced with a plastic trouser buttons). Above the button fly is a press stud fastener. The waistband is also secured with a hook and bar.

A label at the interior reads: 'Oswald, Breenen, Paul.'

S.836:3-2017 (skirt)

Wide, heavy, patterned silk skirt. The skirt is shaped with pleating at the hips and hangs from a wide petersham waistband. The waistband has four buttons at the interior (possibly to secure it to the body armour). A loop with a lanyard style hook hangs from the proper left interior of the waistband. The exterior of the skirt is from a bright red raw silk fabric which has been decorated with appliqued emerald green wings. These decorative motifs have also been painted with black hearts. The interior of the skirt is formed from black and green strips of raw silk. These lengths of green silk are decorated with black stencilled lettering.
Interfacing has been used to add stiffeness to the skirt and a band of stiff canvas has been added to the interior of the hem. A loop of fabric is also present at the proper left interior of the skirt hem.

A label at the interior reads: 'King Arthur/Paul Brennen/Oswald.'

Costume for Paul Brennen as Oswald in the Royal Opera House and Paris Théâtre du Châtelet co-production of King Arthur, May 1995.

S.836:1 to 3-2017