Max Miller
Caricature
12 March 1932 (dated)
12 March 1932 (dated)
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This caricature shows Max Miller (1894-1963) at the Brighton Theatre Royal in March 1932. It was drawn by Gilbert Sommerlad (1904-1976), a rehearsal pianist and orchestral violinist at the Brighton Theatre Royal from 1932 until 1936, and at the Oxford New Theatre from 1936 for over forty years. Sommerlad sketched the stars on stage when he wasn’t needed in the orchestra pit, compiling the sketches in a series of albums.
Max Miller, with his trademark flower-patterned suit, was one of Britain’s most popular stand-up comics from the 1930s to the 1950s. He entertained fellow soldiers during the war, beginning his career with a concert party in his home town Brighton, and was famous for his mastery of a live audience. His risqué humour earned him the nickname ‘The Cheeky Chappie’ and a 5-year ban from BBC radio.
Max Miller, with his trademark flower-patterned suit, was one of Britain’s most popular stand-up comics from the 1930s to the 1950s. He entertained fellow soldiers during the war, beginning his career with a concert party in his home town Brighton, and was famous for his mastery of a live audience. His risqué humour earned him the nickname ‘The Cheeky Chappie’ and a 5-year ban from BBC radio.
Object details
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| Materials and techniques | Pencil on paper |
| Brief description | Pencil caricature by Gilbert Sommerlad (1904-1976) of Max Miller at the Brighton Theatre Royal, entitled 'Cheeky Chappie'. Dated 12 March 1932. |
| Physical description | Pencil caricature of Max Miller at the Brighton Theatre Royal, entitled 'Cheeky Chappie'. Dated 12 March 1932. From a hard-backed sketch book containing caricatures of theatrical performers and entertainers drawn by Gilbert Sommerlad. |
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| Credit line | Given by Michael Sommerlad |
| Object history | Gilbert Sommerlad was a member of the resident orchestra at the Theatre Royal Brighton when he drew this caricature. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This caricature shows Max Miller (1894-1963) at the Brighton Theatre Royal in March 1932. It was drawn by Gilbert Sommerlad (1904-1976), a rehearsal pianist and orchestral violinist at the Brighton Theatre Royal from 1932 until 1936, and at the Oxford New Theatre from 1936 for over forty years. Sommerlad sketched the stars on stage when he wasn’t needed in the orchestra pit, compiling the sketches in a series of albums. Max Miller, with his trademark flower-patterned suit, was one of Britain’s most popular stand-up comics from the 1930s to the 1950s. He entertained fellow soldiers during the war, beginning his career with a concert party in his home town Brighton, and was famous for his mastery of a live audience. His risqué humour earned him the nickname ‘The Cheeky Chappie’ and a 5-year ban from BBC radio. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | S.131:7-2002 |
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| Record created | December 2, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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