Artwork
Manufacturer's proof of a souvenir Christmas card for 1902 featuring Mabel Hirst and Daisy Le Hay who were appearing in <i>A Country Girl</i>, Daly's Theatre, 1902. Photograph by Foulsham & Banfield; drawing by F.V. Poole
Manufacturer's proof of a souvenir Christmas card for 1902 featuring Mabel Hirst and Daisy Le Hay who were appearing in <i>A Country Girl</i>, Daly's Theatre, 1902. Photograph by Foulsham & Banfield; drawing by F.V. Poole is a drawing by Frederick Victor Poole. It dates from 1902 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 1902 drawing is a manufacturer's proof for a souvenir Christmas card featuring two actresses from the musical play A Country Girl.
About this work
This is a 1902 drawing meant as a test run for a Christmas card. It shows two actresses from a hit London show, posed with sheet music. Frederick Victor Poole designed the card’s holly leaves and letters.
The card was meant for fans of *A Country Girl*, a popular musical then playing at Daly’s Theatre. Poole trained in Paris and later taught art in Chicago.
Look up Frederick Victor Poole next.
Overview
This 1902 drawing is a manufacturer's proof for a souvenir Christmas card featuring two actresses from the musical play A Country Girl.
Subject & Meaning
The card depicts Mabel Hirst and Daisy Le Hay, who performed in A Country Girl at Daly's Theatre in London, posed with sheet music, likely from the show.
Technique & Style
The intricate holly leaf design and lettering were created by Frederick Victor Poole, an artist trained at the Académie Julien in Paris.
History & Provenance
The drawing was part of a collection of sketches commissioned for illustrated magazines, donated to the museum by Sir William James Ingram in 1914.
Context
The card was produced during a time when photographs of actresses were in high demand, and A Country Girl was a significant theatrical success, running for 729 performances.
Artist & collection
Artist
Frederick Victor Poole (1865–1936) was an artist, born in Southampton.
