Set design by Alix Stone for a cloth probably depicting a tomb monument in "Gloriana", Sadler's Wells Opera, 1966.

Set design probably depicting a fictionalised tomb monument for Queen Elizabeth I, showing the recumbent queen attended by a pair of female angels (or possibly Virtues) below a representation of King Henry VIII seated on an elaborate throne. The king is surrounded by two putti and two male figures. The design has been executed in sepia ink, mounted onto card, and covered with a clear plastic sheet which has been "squared up" with white wax crayon.

This set 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 Benjamin Britten's opera "Gloriana" by the Sadler's Wells Opera at Sadler's Wells, October 21st 1966. The libretto by William Plomer is based on Lytton Strachey's book "Elizabeth & Essex". The opera was produced by Colin Graham, conducted by Mario Bernardi, choreographed by Peter Darrell, and lit by Charles Bristow. Sylvia Fisher sang the role of Queen Elizabeth I, John Wakefield was Essex, and John Cameron was Cecil. The production was revived at Sadler's Wells in September 1967, and March 1968. It was also performed at the Aldeburgh Festival in June 1968.

In February 1969 the designs were revised by Alix Stone when Sadler's Wells Opera (later English National Opera) moved to the much larger stage of the London Coliseum. This revised production was revived at the Coliseum in August 1972, February 1975, and March 1984 (when it was recorded for Channel 4 TV and released on video). The production also toured to the Vienna Volksoper in June 1975; and to the USA where it was performed at the Metropolitan Opera House in the summer of 1984.

Reason For Production: Commission

S.83-2002