Costume design by Alix Stone for Robert Thomas as the Duke of Mantua in Act I of Rigoletto, Sadler's Wells Opera, Sadler's Wells, September 21st 1955. Pencil, Ink, Paint.

Costume design for Robert Thomas as The Duke of Mantua in Act I. The design depicts a full length male figure wearing late 16th century style costume. The costume consists of a pink and gold doublet and hose worn under a voluminous brown jacket edged with brown fur and decorated with gold braids. The figure also wears white stockings and brown shoes, and white ruffles at the neck and cuffs. He carries a pair of white gloves in his right hand. 6 Fabric swatches are attached to the upper part of the design.

This costume design by Alix Stone is part of an extensive collection of designs purchased by the Theatre Museum directly from the artist in 1994. The design was executed for a production of Giuseppe Verdi's opera "Rigoletto", performed by Sadler's Wells Opera at Sadler's Wells, September 21st 1955. The production was translated by Edward J. Dent; conducted by Leo Quayle; and directed by Powell Lloyd (who also designed the scenery). The dances were arranged by Peter Wright. The cast included Robert Thomas, Frederick Sharp, Marjorie Shires, and Anna Pollak.

The production was revived by the Sadler's Wells Opera in January 1956, December 1956, January 1957, January 1958, October 1961, and January 1963.

Reason For Production: Commission

S.256-2001