Not currently on display at the V&A

Morris Kestelman design for Richard III

Design
1944 (designed)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This design by Morris Kestelman (1905-1998) was for King Richard's throne in 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 design for Richard III (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Watercolour on paper
Brief description
Design for a throne for Richard III by William Shakespeare, Old Vic Theatre production, New Theatre, 1944. Designed by Morris Kestelman (1905 - 1998)
Physical description
Design for a throne for William Shakespeare's Richard III, Old Vic production, New Theatre, 1944, designed by Morris Kestelman. The design shows a reddish throne and yellow cushion from various angles.
Dimensions
  • Height: 28.5cm
  • Width: 19cm
Marks and inscriptions
'bright - gold / Seat Red. / Throne Richard III / Cushion for throne 18" square / This colour' (On front side in pencil)
Credit line
Given by Sara Kestelman
Summary
This design by Morris Kestelman (1905-1998) was for King Richard's throne in 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.2085-2014

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Record createdFebruary 20, 2014
Record URL
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