Beaver hat worn by Irving in 'The Lyons Mail' thumbnail 1
Beaver hat worn by Irving in 'The Lyons Mail' thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Beaver hat worn by Irving in 'The Lyons Mail'

Theatre Costume
1905 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

H.B. Irving (1870-1919) wore this hat as part of his costume for Lesurques in The Lyons Mail by Charles Reade (1814-1884). H.B. Irving was the eldest son of the actor-manager Henry Irving (1838-1905). The double roles of the villain Dubosc and the hero Lesurques in The Lyons Mail had been previously played by the older Irving and, after his death, were taken on by his son.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleBeaver hat worn by Irving in 'The Lyons Mail' (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Felted beaver fur
Brief description
High-crowned beaver hat, worn by H.B. Irving as Lesurques in C. Reade's 'The Lyons Mail' 1905.
Physical description
High-crowned hat in a style reminiscent of the 'D'orsay' or 'Wellington' shape fashionable in the early nineteenth century. Long strands of pale brown brown silk plush on woven fabric base, with a dark brown ribbed silk ribbon running around the crown. Brim upturned in a slight curve at both sides. Leather band facing inside brim, remainder of interior lined with cream silk. Stamped label in interior, Henry Heath Ltd. Against a crest of a lion and a unicorn surmounted by the crown and the crossed orb and sceptre.
Dimensions
  • Of crown height: 17.5cm
  • Across brim length: 33cm
  • Across brim width: 28.5cm
  • Weight: 0.2kg (Note: 2.5kg with its box (other objects included))
Marks and inscriptions
'By warrent to/His Majesty the King/Henry Heath Ltd/Established in the reign of King George IV/1822/105, 107, 109, Oxford St. W/London.' (Maker's label stamped in crown)
Credit line
Given by the Royal Shakespeare Company
Summary
H.B. Irving (1870-1919) wore this hat as part of his costume for Lesurques in The Lyons Mail by Charles Reade (1814-1884). H.B. Irving was the eldest son of the actor-manager Henry Irving (1838-1905). The double roles of the villain Dubosc and the hero Lesurques in The Lyons Mail had been previously played by the older Irving and, after his death, were taken on by his son.
Bibliographic reference
Holmes, Martin. Stage Costumes and Accessories in the London Museum. London : HMSO, 1968 no.326
Other number
56.4/78 - Museum of London number
Collection
Accession number
S.2787-2010

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Record createdNovember 10, 2010
Record URL
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