Not currently on display at the V&A

Set Design

1955 (Painted, drawn)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Set design. The design depicts a platform stage with proscenium arch & decorative curtains, and steps leading down to a lower platform located in a garden setting. There are five vaguely painted human figures on the stage, possibly forming a Nativitiy scene. Unsigned by the artist.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Pencil, pen & ink, white paint, watercolour and gouache on paper.
Brief description
Set design by Maise Meiklejohn for "The Second Towneley Play of the Shepherds", Eaton House Garden, Aldeburgh Festival, June 22nd 1955.
Physical description
Set design. The design depicts a platform stage with proscenium arch & decorative curtains, and steps leading down to a lower platform located in a garden setting. There are five vaguely painted human figures on the stage, possibly forming a Nativitiy scene. Unsigned by the artist.
Dimensions
  • Height: 388mm
  • Width: 505mm
Production typeUnique
Marks and inscriptions
' Aldeburgh Festival play ' (Textual information; Lower right hand corner.; handwriting; pencil; Meiklejohn, Maise Dele)
Object history
This set design by Maise Meiklejohn is part of an extensive collection of designs by the artist purchased by the Theatre Museum in 1990. The design was executed for a production of the mystery play "The Second Towneley Play of the Shepherds" performed by the Aldeburgh Players at Eaton House Garden during the Aldeburgh Festival, June 22nd 1955. The play was produced by Nugent Monck and directed by Kenneth Basham. Maise Meiklejohn (working under her married name of Maise Sieveking) designed the sets and costumes.

Historical significance: The production of "The Second Towneley Play of the Shepherds" was the first play to be performed at the Aldeburgh Festival
Production
Reason For Production: Commission
Subjects depicted
Literary references
  • The Second Towneley Play of the Shepherds
  • The Wakefield Mystery Plays
Collection
Accession number
S.209-2002

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Record createdNovember 15, 2002
Record URL
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