Pencil caricature by Gilbert Sommerlad (1904-1976) of Alexander Faris conducting a performance of Sally at the Oxford New Theatre. Dated 26 November 1952

Pencil caricature of Alexander Faris conducting a performance of Sally, dated 26 November 1952, part of an artist's hard-backed sketch book manufactured by George Rowney & Co., called 'The Euston Sketch Book'. The pencilled sketch is drawn directly onto the page (cream cartridge paper). Titled and dated by the artist and signed by the subject.

Given by Michael Sommerlad

The artist of these caricatures, Gilbert Sommerlad, was by profession a musician who was born into a family that had a long tradition of professional musicians. In 1936 he moved to the recently built New Theatre, Oxford, to join his brother Roy (violin and clarinet) as resident pianist.

Gilbert was an exceptionally good and popular rehearsal pianist, and visiting companies and individual performers used to make sure that he would be available. He became well-known in the profession and his ability as a caricaturist became common knowledge. The volume that includes this drawing contains sketches mostly of musical directors and conductors working at the Oxford New Theatre with Gilbert Sommerlad.

This caricature shows Alexander Faris conducting a performance of Sally at the Oxford New Theatre on 26 November 1952. It was drawn by Gilbert Sommerlad (1904-1976), a rehearsal pianist and orchestral violinist at the Brighton Theatre Royal from 1932 until 1936, and at the Oxford New Theatre from 1936 for over forty years. Sommerlad sketched the stars on stage when he wasn't needed in the orchestra pit, compiling the sketches in a series of albums.

This production of Sally, the musical comedy by Guy Bolton with music by Jerome Kern, opened at the Oxford New Theatre on 24 November 1952. It was originally produced in London at the Winter Gardens in 1921, and featured the song Look for the Silver Lining.

S.130:9-2002