Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist Elliot & Fry. It dates from 1879 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Victorian actors often posed for studio photos called "cartes de visite" or later "cabinet cards," small portraits on stiff card backs.
This photo, *Guy Little Theatrical Photograph*, was taken in 1879 by Elliot & Fry. It shows Violet Cameron dressed as Suzanne in *Madam Favart* at the Strand Theatre.
Victorian actors often posed for studio photos called "cartes de visite" or later "cabinet cards," small portraits on stiff card backs. Elliot & Fry printed their name right on the photo.
If you like this, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
The image is a studio portrait taken in 1879 by the London photographic firm Elliot & Fry. It depicts the actress Violet Cameron in costume as Suzanne from the comic opera Madam Favart, performed at the Strand Theatre. The photograph is an albumen print on paper, originally mounted on a stiff card typical of the period’s theatrical cartes de visite.
Subject & Meaning
Cameron appears in full stage attire, her pose and expression designed to convey the character’s charm and vivacity. Such theatrical portraits served both as promotional material for productions and as collectible memorabilia for admirers of the performers.
Technique & Style
The image was produced from a glass negative using the albumen printing process, which yielded a glossy surface and fine detail. The photographer’s imprint, Elliot & Fry, is printed directly on the card, a common practice for commercial studios in the late Victorian era.
History & Provenance
The photograph formed part of a larger assemblage of cartes de visite and cabinet cards gathered by solicitor Guy Tristram Little (d. 1953). Little, an avid collector of ephemera, removed the original card backs and mounted the prints in albums, later bequeathing the collection to the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Context
During the mid‑to‑late 19th century, photographic portrait cards became fashionable collectibles, initially as small cartes de visite and later as larger cabinet cards. They documented not only social elites but also popular figures such as actors, providing a visual record of Victorian theatrical culture.
Artist & collection
Artist
