Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by Lombardi & Fry. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This photograph depicts actress Harriet Vernon in the late 19th century, executed as an albumen print on stiff card backing, characteristic of 'cabinet cards' popular during that era.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Harriet Vernon, was a theatrical performer. The photograph, typical of promotional materials for actors, reflects the Victorian public's fascination with collecting images of popular stage personalities.
Technique & Style
The image is an albumen print, a common technique at the time, produced from a glass negative and mounted on card. The style is straightforward, with Vernon posed in theatrical costume, conforming to the conventions of late 19th-century actor portraiture.
History & Provenance
Part of a large collection assembled by Guy Tristram Little, a collector and solicitor, who bequeathed his photographic collection to the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A). The photograph was originally mounted in an album, alongside other 'cartes de visite' and 'cabinet cards'.
Context
Created during the heyday of 'cabinet cards' (late 1870s to 1890s), this photograph represents a popular form of Victorian ephemera, preceding the rise of postcards and modern studio portraits. It also ties into the broader theatrical culture of the time, with collectors seeking images of stage personalities.
Legacy
Now housed at the V&A, the photograph contributes to the museum's Theatre Collections, initially founded on the theatrical collection of Mrs. Gabrielle Enthoven, for whom Little served as solicitor and executor. It remains a testament to Victorian theatrical culture and the era's photographic practices.
Artist & collection
Artist
