Caricature
December 1904 (drawn)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This caricature is of the actor and comedian Harry Conlin who was performing at the Grand Theatre of Varieties, Hanley, during the week of 5 December 1904. He was billed as ‘a Patter Comedian who will make you smile. From the London Pavilion, Oxford and Canterbury’. It is one of the many superb caricatures of Edwardian music hall performers that were drawn by the artist George Cooke when he was based at the Grand Theatre. He compiled them in a series of albums.
Harry Conlin appeared on the halls from about 1900. He had a style of patter reminiscent of Dan Leno, and reviewers commented on his comical make-up and costumes. He is seen here in a pantomime Dame-style costume, complete with a muff featuring a loaf of Hovis bread and a hat sporting potatoes on forks.
Harry Conlin appeared on the halls from about 1900. He had a style of patter reminiscent of Dan Leno, and reviewers commented on his comical make-up and costumes. He is seen here in a pantomime Dame-style costume, complete with a muff featuring a loaf of Hovis bread and a hat sporting potatoes on forks.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Pen and ink and wash on paper |
| Brief description | Caricature of the actor and music hall comedian Harry Conlin, from an album of caricatures drawn by George Cooke. December 1904. |
| Physical description | Pen, ink and wash caricature on pink paper of Harry Conlin, full-length, dressed as a Dame with a long spotted lilac skirt, a red and green checked blouse with a white collar and a blue tie. He has a white boater from which three forks extend, their prongs holding potatoes, and a muff in the form of a loaf of 'Hovis' brown bread. |
| Marks and inscriptions | With all good wishes & Good Luck to a clever artist Harry Conlin (Signature; Hand written; Pen and ink) |
| Object history | This caricature is of the comedian and actor Harry Conlin who made his first stage appearance in 1900, and in 1902 was on the bill of the Palace Theatre, Plymouth, with the actress Lily Langtry when she was making a provincial tour. Comedians were an indispensable music hall act, often known as a 'front-cloth' act because they could perform in front of the act-drop while scenery was changed behind. The caricature comes from the first of several albums compiled by the graphic artist George Cooke, featuring performers working in music hall in the early 20th century. The album is dated 1903-4-5. |
| Summary | This caricature is of the actor and comedian Harry Conlin who was performing at the Grand Theatre of Varieties, Hanley, during the week of 5 December 1904. He was billed as ‘a Patter Comedian who will make you smile. From the London Pavilion, Oxford and Canterbury’. It is one of the many superb caricatures of Edwardian music hall performers that were drawn by the artist George Cooke when he was based at the Grand Theatre. He compiled them in a series of albums. Harry Conlin appeared on the halls from about 1900. He had a style of patter reminiscent of Dan Leno, and reviewers commented on his comical make-up and costumes. He is seen here in a pantomime Dame-style costume, complete with a muff featuring a loaf of Hovis bread and a hat sporting potatoes on forks. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | S.392:36-2002 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | November 25, 2003 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
