Not currently on display at the V&A

Photograph

1899 (written)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Ellen Terry was a famous Victorian performer, and was considered the leading Shakespearean actress in Britain of her time. This picture was an early kind of publicity shot, featuring Terry dressed in the role of Clarisse de Maluçon in Robespierreby Sardou. As a cabinet card, it was also a collectible. Terry had autographed it for her wigmaker, as a souvenir, and she attached a note to the photograph thanking him for the excellent work he had done making the wigs. As Terry is in costume in this picture, you can see the 'perfect' powdered hairpiece that she wore for her performance on stage at the Lyceum Theatre, in 1899.


Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Albumen print photograph and manuscript note
Brief description
Photograph of Ellen Terry as Clarisse de Maulucon in Robespierre, signed and dedicated to the wigmaker, W. Clarkson, with an attached letter to Clarkson thanking him for the 'perfect' wigs.
Physical description
Sepia photograph of Ellen Terry in costume, with caption, autographed. Manuscript letter attached.
Dimensions
  • Height: 33cm
  • Width: 27cm
Marks and inscriptions
Lyceum Theatre - / Dear Mr Clarkson / The wigs have just / arrived - many thanks - / They are simply perfect! / Yours very ... / Ellen Terry / August 31 / 1899
Gallery label
Ellen Terry’s wig In the note attached to her photograph, the famous Victorian actress Ellen Terry (1847–1928) thanks Mr Clarkson for some wigs he has made for her. Willy Clarkson’s wig-making company led the field in supplying wigs for theatres and society fancy dress balls. To demonstrate the art of making a convincing wig, we showing a modern example kindly given by the costume house Angels the Costumiers. Ellen Terry as Clarisse de Maluçon in Robespierre Play by Victorien Sardou, 1899 Lyceum Theatre, London About 1899 Card and photographic paper Museum no. S.47-2008 Wig in preparation 2008 Human hair on synthetic base Made by Brian Peters of Angels The Costumiers, London Given by Angels The Costumiers(March 2009)
Credit line
Gabrielle Enthoven Collection
Subject depicted
Summary
Ellen Terry was a famous Victorian performer, and was considered the leading Shakespearean actress in Britain of her time. This picture was an early kind of publicity shot, featuring Terry dressed in the role of Clarisse de Maluçon in Robespierreby Sardou. As a cabinet card, it was also a collectible. Terry had autographed it for her wigmaker, as a souvenir, and she attached a note to the photograph thanking him for the excellent work he had done making the wigs. As Terry is in costume in this picture, you can see the 'perfect' powdered hairpiece that she wore for her performance on stage at the Lyceum Theatre, in 1899.
Collection
Accession number
S.47-2008

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Record createdFebruary 27, 2008
Record URL
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