Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by Barnes & Bell Brown. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This late 19th-century photograph by Brown, Barnes & Bell depicts Harriet Vernon in costume.
About this work
This photograph is from the late 19th century. It's a work by Brown, Barnes & Bell.
The photo shows Harriet Vernon in costume. This was a common practice back then, as actors and actresses would take studio photos to be used as 'cartes de visite' or 'cabinet cards'.
You can learn more about this type of photography at the museum: Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
This late 19th-century photograph by Brown, Barnes & Bell depicts Harriet Vernon in costume. It is one of many 'cartes de visite' and 'cabinet cards' collected by Guy Tristram Little.
Subject & Meaning
The photograph shows Harriet Vernon, an actress, in theatrical costume, a common practice for actors and actresses of the time who had studio photographs taken for promotional purposes.
Technique & Style
The image is an albumen print, a typical photographic process of the era, originally mounted on card with the photographer's name.
History & Provenance
The photograph was part of Guy Tristram Little's collection, bequeathed to the V&A upon his death in 1953. Little was a collector and solicitor who also acted as executor for Mrs. Gabrielle Enthoven, whose collection contributed to the V&A's Theatre Collections.
Artist & collection
Artist
This was the duo behind Guy Little’s backstage photos—imagine two photographers who spent every night in the 1890s theater district, snapping actors mid-breath between roles.
