Not currently on display at the V&A

Theatre Design

ca. 1966 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Model piece depicting a large hanging cartouche decorated with a crown and Tudor rose.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Card with ink, paper foil, tissue paper, net fabric, thread, and wire additions.
Brief description
Model piece by Alix Stone for "Gloriana", English National Opera, ca. 1966.
Physical description
Model piece depicting a large hanging cartouche decorated with a crown and Tudor rose.
Dimensions
  • At widest point width: 170mm
  • At highest point height: 132mm
Production typeUnique
Marks and inscriptions
' OVERTURE ' (Textual information; On reverse.; handwriting; pencil; Stone, Alix)
Object history
This Model piece by Alix Stone is part of an extensive collection of designs purchased by the Theatre Museum directly from the artist in 1994. The model piece 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.
Production
Reason For Production: Commission
Subjects depicted
Associations
Literary references
  • Gloriana
  • Elizabeth & Essex
Collection
Accession number
S.78-2002

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Record createdMarch 27, 2002
Record URL
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