Not currently on display at the V&A

Morris Kestelman set model piece for Richard III

Set Model
1944 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This design by Morris Kestelman (1905-1998) was for part of the original model box for the Old Vic Theatre Company's production of Richard III at the New Theatre, London, in September 1944. Directed by John Burrell with costumes designed by Doris Zinkeisen, this wartime production has a legendary ring to it today, starring great British actors - Laurence Olivier as Richard, Ralph Richardson as Richmond and Sybil Thorndike as Margaret. Critics of the day praised the production, and one described the 'sombre pictures' created by the settings as 'grimly effective'.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleMorris Kestelman set model piece for Richard III (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Watercolour, wood and gouache on card
Brief description
Part of set model by Morris Kestelman for William Shakespeare's Richard III, Old Vic Theatre production, New Theatre, 1944
Physical description
Part of set model by Morris Kestelman for William Shakespeare's Richard III, Old Vic Theatre production, New Theatre, 1944. The piece shows a design for a cut cloth and features dark pointed arches.
Dimensions
  • Height: 32cm
  • Width: 45cm
Marks and inscriptions
'Cut cloth' (On reverse side in pencil)
Credit line
Given by Sara Kestelman
Summary
This design by Morris Kestelman (1905-1998) was for part of the original model box for the Old Vic Theatre Company's production of Richard III at the New Theatre, London, in September 1944. Directed by John Burrell with costumes designed by Doris Zinkeisen, this wartime production has a legendary ring to it today, starring great British actors - Laurence Olivier as Richard, Ralph Richardson as Richmond and Sybil Thorndike as Margaret. Critics of the day praised the production, and one described the 'sombre pictures' created by the settings as 'grimly effective'.
Collection
Accession number
S.2075-2014

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Record createdFebruary 20, 2014
Record URL
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