Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by Walter Rowland Holyoake. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This black-and-white photograph depicts Edward Atkins, a 19th-century actor, in a studio portrait.
About this work
This photo shows Edward Atkins, an actor from the 19th century. Walter Rowland Holyoake took it. It’s a black-and-white image on stiff card—typical of the time.
Back then, photos like this were called “cartes de visite.” People collected them like trading cards. They were small, cheap, and everywhere.
Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum for more of these old theatrical photos.
Overview
This black-and-white photograph depicts Edward Atkins, a 19th-century actor, in a studio portrait. Characteristic of its time, the image is mounted on stiff card, conforming to the format of 'cartes de visite'.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Edward Atkins, is portrayed in theatrical costume, highlighting the photograph's purpose as a theatrical 'carte de visite', intended for collection and admiration of the performer.
Technique & Style
Taken by Walter Rowland Holyoake, the photograph utilizes the albumen print process from a glass negative, a prevalent technique during the Victorian era for producing 'cartes de visite' and later 'cabinet cards'.
History & Provenance
The photograph is part of a large collection assembled by Guy Tristram Little, a collector and solicitor, who removed the images from their original backings and mounted them in albums before bequeathing them to the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A).
Context
Created during the heyday of 'cartes de visite' (patented in 1854, popular in the 1860s), this photograph reflects the Victorian fascination with photography and collecting celebrity portraits, which later gave way to 'cabinet cards' and postcards.
Artist & collection
Artist
Walter Rowland Holyoake isn’t a name you’d know, and that’s okay—he moved quietly through the 19th century, taking photos when most people still thought cameras were toys.
