Costume designed by Paul Brown, worn by Samantha Cones as Emmeline 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.838:1-2017 (dress)

Floor length empire line dress in yellow and cream silk. The dress has a cream silk[?] ground which has been stencilled with a swirling interlinked pattern in yellow and orange with hand painted crimson highlights.
The skirt is asymmetircal and extends into a train at the rear. It is gathered up into loose pleats at the proper left hand side. The bodice has a low round neckline and long sleeves which flare out slightly at the cuff.
Bands of crushed black silk velvet have been used to define the waistline and have been added to the neckline and shoulder line of the bodice meeting in a 'V' at the centre front.
The dress fastens at the centre back with a line of cross lacing. The belt present at the raised waistline is secured with metal hooks and eyes. Further press stud fastenings are present at the neckline.
The dress is not lined but the base of the interior skirt is faced with cream silk. This has been printed across its surface with repeated motifs (like a stylised three pointed leaf in shape and surmounted by three circular dots) using black paint.

S.838:2-2017 (petticoat)

Floor length gold/yellow silk sleeveless petticoat. The petticoat has an asymmetrical skirt, gathered up at the proper left hand side and extending into a train at the rear. It is lined throughout with silk. It fastens with a zip (plastic) at the rear. Small loops of cotton tape, each with metal press studs stitched to them, are present at the interior of the shoulder straps.

S.838:3-2017 (hat)

Narrow hat with oval shaped brim extending into a slim round point at the top. The black crushed velvet ground is embellised with horizontal metal silver bands at the brim and base. The interior is filled with soft padding.

S.838:4&5-2017 (shoes)

Black suede shoes extending into a point at the toe. The shoes fasten with three parallel bands, each secured with metal buckles.

S.838:6-2017 (jewellery)

Large brass [?] metal cross on a short, interlinked chain.

Costume for Samantha Cones as Emmeline in the Royal Opera House and Paris Théâtre du Châtelet co-production of King Arthur, May 1995.

S.838:1 to 6-2017