Costume for Lucia in Act II, scene 2, of Donizetti's opera, Lucia di Lammermoor, worn by Joan Sutherland, Royal Opera, 1959

Costume consisting of:
Bodice of grey satin and beige damask, decorated with large grey and white pearlised studs, lace and topaz studs, with a diamante pendant girdle
Skirt of grey satin with a damask panel to the centre front with deep bands of cream lace to the hem
Bridal wreath
Plaid
Bridal veil of pale pink tulle with lace appliqué Pair of grey leather shoes
Two necklaces
Ring set with a synthetic emerald

Joan Sutherland joined the Royal Opera in 1952 and over the next seven years sang a range of roles across the operatic repertory. However, it was her performance as Lucia di Lammermoor in Zeffirelli's 1959 production that made her a household name and established her as the rightful heir to the coloratura repertoire. Overnight she became an international star. This costume represents not only a significant production in her career but is a good example of the Italian neo-realist school of opera design which dominated productions in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Associated production: Lucia di Lammermoor. Designer and director: Franco Zeffirelli. Wearer and singer: Joan Sutherland. Character: Lucia. Performing company: Covent Garden Opera. Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, 17.2.1959. Performance category: Opera.

S.1089:1 to 10-1997