Not currently on display at the V&A

Mr. R. Honner as the Fire King

Print
ca.mid nineteenth century (printed)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Engraved portrait of the actor Mr. R. Honner (1809-1852) as the Fire King, ca. mid nineteenth century.

Portraits in this style would have been sold plain as theatrical souvenirs for colouring and 'tinselling' at home. Tinsel prints were created from etched portraits of theatrical stars in popular roles they played on the London stage. They were hand-painted in watercolour and decorated with scraps of material and tinsel additions. They were popular during the first half of the 19th century and were considered an adult, rather than a child's hobby. By the 1830s it was possible to buy the tinsel, leather and feather ornaments to go with each image.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleMr. R. Honner as the Fire King (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Engraving, printed ink on paper.
Brief description
Engraving of the actor Mr. R. Honner (1809-1852) as the Fire King, ca. mid nineteenth century. Harry Beard Collection
Physical description
Full length engraving of the actor Mr. R. Honner as the Fire King in the Silver Palace.
Dimensions
  • Height: 21.4cm
  • Width: 17.4cm
Credit line
Harry R. Beard Collection, given by Isobel Beard
Subject depicted
Summary
Engraved portrait of the actor Mr. R. Honner (1809-1852) as the Fire King, ca. mid nineteenth century.

Portraits in this style would have been sold plain as theatrical souvenirs for colouring and 'tinselling' at home. Tinsel prints were created from etched portraits of theatrical stars in popular roles they played on the London stage. They were hand-painted in watercolour and decorated with scraps of material and tinsel additions. They were popular during the first half of the 19th century and were considered an adult, rather than a child's hobby. By the 1830s it was possible to buy the tinsel, leather and feather ornaments to go with each image.
Other number
Collection
Accession number
S.396-2013

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Record createdJanuary 18, 2013
Record URL
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