Not on display

The Late F. Robson as Wandering Minstrel

Print
1879 (published)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This print shows the diminutive ballad singer, actor and comedian Frederick Robson as the character Jem Bags, the bedraggled Cockney street singer that he played in the one act farce The Wandering Minstrel at the Olympic Theatre in May 1853. The song Villikins and his Dinah (or Vilikins and his Dinah) that Robson sang as Jem Bags at the end of the farce became the hit of the season and became known in English speaking countries around the world.

Robson (1821-1864) who was born in Margate Thomas Brownhill, became a star of the Olympic Theatre and eventually one of its managers. He had a great talent for burlesque, or performances that parodied the originals, and one of his starring roles was his imitation of Adelaide Ristori as Medea. He became a great favourite of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert who invited him to Windsor Castle for several command performances

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleThe Late F. Robson as Wandering Minstrel (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Engraving on paper
Brief description
'The Late F. Robson as Wandering Minstrel', London, 1879, showing Frederick Robson (1821-1864) as Jem Bags in The Wandering Minstrel, Olympic Theatre. May 1854. Harry Beard Collection
Physical description
Engraving of F> Robson as Wandering Minstrel.
Dimensions
  • Height: 20cm
  • Width: 13cm
Credit line
Harry R. Beard Collection, given by Isobel Beard.
Subject depicted
Summary
This print shows the diminutive ballad singer, actor and comedian Frederick Robson as the character Jem Bags, the bedraggled Cockney street singer that he played in the one act farce The Wandering Minstrel at the Olympic Theatre in May 1853. The song Villikins and his Dinah (or Vilikins and his Dinah) that Robson sang as Jem Bags at the end of the farce became the hit of the season and became known in English speaking countries around the world.

Robson (1821-1864) who was born in Margate Thomas Brownhill, became a star of the Olympic Theatre and eventually one of its managers. He had a great talent for burlesque, or performances that parodied the originals, and one of his starring roles was his imitation of Adelaide Ristori as Medea. He became a great favourite of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert who invited him to Windsor Castle for several command performances
Associated objects
Other number
Collection
Accession number
S.2170-2013

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Record createdMay 31, 2013
Record URL
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