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Gown

1910
Artist/Maker

Costume worn by Amy Brandon-Thomas as Portia in Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice, Royal Court Theatre, 1910. Gown based on legal/ecclesiastical gown, full length close fitting gown of deep reddish violet fine wool with high collar and long sleeves. The gown is buttoned from neck to hem with reddish violet silk covered buttons, the collar fastening with hooks and eyes. The full length sleeves are fitted to the wrist and set with four reddish violet silk covered buttons simulating fastening. Around the midriff is fixed into a long sash end which falls to the hem, where it is fringed. The sash fastens at the waist with three reddish violet silk covered buttons. The gown is lined with deep violet silk.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Brief description
Gown worn by Amy Brandon-Thomas as Portia in the trial scene in Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice, Royal Court Theatre, London, 1910.
Physical description
Costume worn by Amy Brandon-Thomas as Portia in Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice, Royal Court Theatre, 1910. Gown based on legal/ecclesiastical gown, full length close fitting gown of deep reddish violet fine wool with high collar and long sleeves. The gown is buttoned from neck to hem with reddish violet silk covered buttons, the collar fastening with hooks and eyes. The full length sleeves are fitted to the wrist and set with four reddish violet silk covered buttons simulating fastening. Around the midriff is fixed into a long sash end which falls to the hem, where it is fringed. The sash fastens at the waist with three reddish violet silk covered buttons. The gown is lined with deep violet silk.
Dimensions
  • Gown, collar to hem length: 151cm
  • Gown, shoulder width width: 40cm
  • Packed weight of parts s.451 1979 and a weight: 2.3kg
Marks and inscriptions
' Barnes - Brand ' (Label)
Credit line
Given by the Theatrical Ladies' Guild of Charity
Object history
This costume was worn by Amy Brandon-Thomas in a production of William Shakespeare's play 'The Merchant of Venice' at the Royal Court, London on 19th February 1910. The music was composed by Ernest Burcalossi, and the scenery was designed by Walter Johnstone and Harry Potts. The costumes were supervised by Herbert Norris and supplied by C & W May.
Subject depicted
Associations
Literary referenceThe Merchant of Venice
Collection
Accession number
S.451-1979

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Record createdAugust 4, 2004
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