Katisha
Wig
1926 (designed), mid 20th century (made)
1926 (designed), mid 20th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This wig was designed for the character of Katisha in Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera The Mikado, performed by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Comany. The Mikado was first performed at the Savoy Theatre in 1885 and was an instant success. It remains the most frequently performed of all Gilbert and Sullivan's works. New costume designs were created by Charles Ricketts for the 1926 season. These designs were used until the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company closed in 1982. This wig is based on Charles Rickett's 1926 design, but was made by Wig Creations Ltd for a later production.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Katisha (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Human hair on mesh netting |
| Brief description | Wig for Katisha in The Mikado, D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, mid 20th Century. |
| Physical description | Elaborate wig and gold coloured headdress, with a long floor-length braid made from black human hair and black string mounted on a mesh cap. The wig cap is made from cotton gauze, a nylon lace front, and a caul net cap over the crown of the head. The thick braid is attached to the main body of the wig with metal poppers. |
| Marks and inscriptions | "Wig Creations Ltd" |
| Summary | This wig was designed for the character of Katisha in Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera The Mikado, performed by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Comany. The Mikado was first performed at the Savoy Theatre in 1885 and was an instant success. It remains the most frequently performed of all Gilbert and Sullivan's works. New costume designs were created by Charles Ricketts for the 1926 season. These designs were used until the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company closed in 1982. This wig is based on Charles Rickett's 1926 design, but was made by Wig Creations Ltd for a later production. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | S.261-1985 |
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| Record created | July 1, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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