Norman Evans
Caricature
ca. 1936 (drawn)
ca. 1936 (drawn)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This caricature shows actor and comedian Norman Evans at the Oxford New Theatre, ca. 1936. 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. The drawing also features a pen and ink caricature of Gilbert Sommerlad by Norman Evans and the dedication by him: 'From one artiste to another'.
Norman Evans (1901-1962) the comic from Rochdale in Lancashire, was encouraged to enter show business in 1934 by Rochdale's most famous entertainer, Gracie Fields. Norman Evans is remembered for his comic character of a corpulent apron-clad northern housewife gossiping to her neighbour over the garden wall without her false teeth, silently mouthing any embarrassing words. This comedy routine was revered and performed by the comedian Les Dawson who always acknowledged its origins.
Norman Evans (1901-1962) the comic from Rochdale in Lancashire, was encouraged to enter show business in 1934 by Rochdale's most famous entertainer, Gracie Fields. Norman Evans is remembered for his comic character of a corpulent apron-clad northern housewife gossiping to her neighbour over the garden wall without her false teeth, silently mouthing any embarrassing words. This comedy routine was revered and performed by the comedian Les Dawson who always acknowledged its origins.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Norman Evans (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Pencil and ink on paper |
| Brief description | Pencil caricature by Gilbert Sommerlad (1904-1976) of the comedian Norman Evans, with a pen caricature of Gilbert Sommerlad by Norman Evans, Oxford New Theatre, ca.1936. |
| Physical description | Pencil caricature of Norman Evans by Gilbert Sommerlad, with a pen caricature by Norman Evans dedicated to Gilbert Sommerlad, Oxford New Theatre, undated. From a hard-backed sketch book containing caricatures of theatrical performers and entertainers drawn by Gilbert Sommerlad. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | 'From one artiste to another Sincerely Yours Norman Evans' Note Pen and ink inscription by Norman Evans, with a pen and ink sketch of himself drawing the inscription. |
| Credit line | Given by Michael Sommerlad |
| Object history | Gilbert Sommerlad was a member of the resident orchestra at the Oxford New Theatre when he drew this caricature. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This caricature shows actor and comedian Norman Evans at the Oxford New Theatre, ca. 1936. 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. The drawing also features a pen and ink caricature of Gilbert Sommerlad by Norman Evans and the dedication by him: 'From one artiste to another'. Norman Evans (1901-1962) the comic from Rochdale in Lancashire, was encouraged to enter show business in 1934 by Rochdale's most famous entertainer, Gracie Fields. Norman Evans is remembered for his comic character of a corpulent apron-clad northern housewife gossiping to her neighbour over the garden wall without her false teeth, silently mouthing any embarrassing words. This comedy routine was revered and performed by the comedian Les Dawson who always acknowledged its origins. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | S.131:42-2002 |
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| Record created | December 9, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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