Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by the Romanticist artist Elliott & Fry. It dates from 1847 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This is a photo of Lucy Buckstone from a play called The Beaux' Stratagem. It was taken in 1847 by Elliott & Fry. The photo shows her in costume for the stage.
Before phones or social media, stars like Buckstone relied on these photos to stay famous. They sold them to fans as small cards to collect.
Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum for more.
Overview
This photograph features Lucy Buckstone in a scene from The Beaux' Stratagem, taken by Elliott & Fry in 1847.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures Buckstone in costume, highlighting her role in the play. Such photographs were crucial for actors to gain popularity and for fans to collect as memorabilia.
Technique & Style
The photograph is an example of early portrait photography, likely an albumen print from a glass negative, mounted on card.
History & Provenance
The photograph was part of a collection assembled by Guy Tristram Little, a collector and solicitor, who bequeathed it to the V&A upon his death in 1953.
Artist & collection
Artist
These London guys snapped the 19th century’s biggest stars in quick, bright portraits you’d see outside the stage door.
