Token thumbnail 1
Token thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Token

1870 (production)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This token was a means of identification for a subscriber to a box. Subscription by season was a dependable source of income for theatres, and was also influential in a theatre’s status and earning power, as only those in wealthy and important positions could afford it.

The token is inscribed with the name of the theatre: The Royal Italian Opera, later the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. When the first building on the site was opened by John Rich in 1732, the theatre was named the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, and presented only spoken word drama, having been granted this patent by Charles II. The only other theatre in London allowed to perform spoken drama was the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

Ballet was first presented at the theatre in 1734, and the first season of opera in 1735, with a performance of Handel’s work. This building was destroyed by fire, however, in 1808 and was rebuilt and re-opened in 1809.

In 1846 Michael Costa, then conductor at Her Majesty’s Theatre, got into dispute with the management and transferred his allegiance, and opera and dance company, to Covent Garden. Following a remodelling of the auditorium, the theatre was thus reopened in 1847 as the Royal Italian Opera, by which name it would be known until 1892. It became simply the Royal Opera House, dropping the ‘Italian’ from its title as it performed more French and German compositions.


Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Engraved ivory, with manuscript and tied ribbon.
Brief description
Oval ivory token pierced for suspension with blue ribbon, Obv; 'ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA COVENT GARDEN' with 'Lord Calthorpe' at centre, Rev; '1870 EVERY NIGHT BOX 1&2 9' and signed in ink 'E.Hall'
Physical description
Oval shaped ivory token, engraved with information about the Royal Italian Opera & subscriber on both sides, with small hole with blue ribbon tied through.
Dimensions
  • Height: 4cm
  • Width: 5.5cm
plus ribbon
Marks and inscriptions
  • ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA / Lord Calthorpe / COVENT GARDEN (Obverse)
  • 1870 EVERY NIGHT BOX 1&2 9 (Reverse)
  • E. Hall (Reverse, signed in ink)
Summary
This token was a means of identification for a subscriber to a box. Subscription by season was a dependable source of income for theatres, and was also influential in a theatre’s status and earning power, as only those in wealthy and important positions could afford it.

The token is inscribed with the name of the theatre: The Royal Italian Opera, later the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. When the first building on the site was opened by John Rich in 1732, the theatre was named the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, and presented only spoken word drama, having been granted this patent by Charles II. The only other theatre in London allowed to perform spoken drama was the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

Ballet was first presented at the theatre in 1734, and the first season of opera in 1735, with a performance of Handel’s work. This building was destroyed by fire, however, in 1808 and was rebuilt and re-opened in 1809.

In 1846 Michael Costa, then conductor at Her Majesty’s Theatre, got into dispute with the management and transferred his allegiance, and opera and dance company, to Covent Garden. Following a remodelling of the auditorium, the theatre was thus reopened in 1847 as the Royal Italian Opera, by which name it would be known until 1892. It became simply the Royal Opera House, dropping the ‘Italian’ from its title as it performed more French and German compositions.
Collection
Accession number
S.531-1985

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 createdFebruary 27, 2008
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest