Ostrich feather plume
Fan
mid 20th century (made)
mid 20th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Ostrich feather plume, which belonged to the actress and singer, Beatrice Lillie (1894-1989).
Beatrice Lillie acted in London and New York, in a wide range of drama, but it was her appearances in revue and cabaret that earned her the title, 'the funniest woman in the world'. She was famous for comic songs and monologues, made all the funnier by her delivery and the way she would raise an eyebrow or twitch her nose. The ostrich plume accessory is a good example of a superficially glamorous stage property which could be used for comic effect. When held, the diamante-strewn feathers droop and sag and create an impression of gentility going slightly to seed.
Beatrice Lillie acted in London and New York, in a wide range of drama, but it was her appearances in revue and cabaret that earned her the title, 'the funniest woman in the world'. She was famous for comic songs and monologues, made all the funnier by her delivery and the way she would raise an eyebrow or twitch her nose. The ostrich plume accessory is a good example of a superficially glamorous stage property which could be used for comic effect. When held, the diamante-strewn feathers droop and sag and create an impression of gentility going slightly to seed.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Ostrich feather plume (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Ostrich feather, diamante, ribbon and plastic |
| Brief description | Ostrich feather plume on short black stick, which belonged to the actress and singer, Beatrice Lillie (1894-1989) |
| Physical description | Black ostrich feather plume decorated with diamante, attached by a short piece of black grosgrain ribbon to a short, tapering, black moulded plastic stick. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by Beatrice Lillie |
| Summary | Ostrich feather plume, which belonged to the actress and singer, Beatrice Lillie (1894-1989). Beatrice Lillie acted in London and New York, in a wide range of drama, but it was her appearances in revue and cabaret that earned her the title, 'the funniest woman in the world'. She was famous for comic songs and monologues, made all the funnier by her delivery and the way she would raise an eyebrow or twitch her nose. The ostrich plume accessory is a good example of a superficially glamorous stage property which could be used for comic effect. When held, the diamante-strewn feathers droop and sag and create an impression of gentility going slightly to seed. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | S.336-1979 |
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| Record created | September 26, 2018 |
| Record URL |
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