Noni playing an accordion
Caricature
20 September 1936 (dated)
20 September 1936 (dated)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This caricature shows Noni playing an accordion at the Oxford New Theatre on 20 September 1936. 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.
Noni was a clown musician whose curious costume and high bald wig were his comical trademark. He was appearing at the Oxford New Theatre as one of many acts on a variety bill. The theatre had only been open since February 1934 but it had quickly built a good reputation for variety and by 1936 was a 'Number 1 date' for Variety shows, particularly in the summer.
Noni was a clown musician whose curious costume and high bald wig were his comical trademark. He was appearing at the Oxford New Theatre as one of many acts on a variety bill. The theatre had only been open since February 1934 but it had quickly built a good reputation for variety and by 1936 was a 'Number 1 date' for Variety shows, particularly in the summer.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Noni playing an accordion (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Pencil and ink on paper |
| Brief description | Pencil caricature by Gilbert Sommerlad (1904-1976) of Noni playing an accordian, New Theatre Oxford, dated 20 September 1936. |
| Physical description | Pencil caricature of Noni playing an accordion, New Theatre Oxford, 20 September 1936. From a hard-backed sketch book containing caricatures of theatrical performers and entertainers drawn by Gilbert Sommerlad. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions |
|
| Credit line | Given by Michael Sommerlad |
| Object history | Gilbert Sommerlad was a member of the resident orchestra at the New Theatre, Oxford when he drew this caricature. |
| Summary | This caricature shows Noni playing an accordion at the Oxford New Theatre on 20 September 1936. 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. Noni was a clown musician whose curious costume and high bald wig were his comical trademark. He was appearing at the Oxford New Theatre as one of many acts on a variety bill. The theatre had only been open since February 1934 but it had quickly built a good reputation for variety and by 1936 was a 'Number 1 date' for Variety shows, particularly in the summer. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | S.131:45-2002 |
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 | December 9, 2003 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSON
