Theatre Costume thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Theatre Costume

ca. 1960s (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This wig came from the National Theatre and was worn by Laurence Olivier in an unidentified production.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Human hair on netting
Brief description
Wig worn by Laurence Olivier in an unidentified production, 1960s.
Physical description
Wig made of red-brown human hair knotted into a mesh cap. The hair has been styled into a bowl cut. The cap is made from three types of mesh: caul net over the rear and crown, vegetable net over the forehead, and a fine lace mesh at the hairline and front of the wig. On the underside of the cap are cross-springs covered in galloon tape stitched into the net, designed to hold the wig in place over the ears.
Dimensions
  • Circumference: 58.4cm
Marks and inscriptions
"SIR Laurence Olivier 23" "Wig Creations Ltd 7763"
Object history
Costumes purchased at the Royal National Theatre charity auction in 1996, or donated by the National Theatre prior to the auction: S.742 - S.810-1997, S.822 - S.824:2-1997. Wearer and actor: Laurence Olivier.
Summary
This wig came from the National Theatre and was worn by Laurence Olivier in an unidentified production.
Collection
Accession number
S.804-1997

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Record createdOctober 7, 2010
Record URL
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