Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by London School Of Photography. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This photograph depicts Phyllis Broughton, a 19th-century actor, in a studio setting.
About this work
Overview
This photograph depicts Phyllis Broughton, a 19th-century actor, in a studio setting. It was produced for distribution as a 'carte de visite' or 'cabinet card', formats popular during the Victorian era for sharing and collecting portraits of public figures.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Phyllis Broughton, is presented in a context suggesting the promotion of her theatrical persona. The image served as a personal or professional calling card, facilitating recognition and admiration among her audience.
Technique & Style
The photograph was created using a glass negative, with the image printed as an albumen print and mounted on stiff card backing. This technique was standard for 'cartes de visite' and 'cabinet cards' due to its efficiency and the durability of the final product.
History & Provenance
The photograph is part of a large collection assembled by Guy Tristram Little, a collector of ephemera and executor of Mrs. Gabrielle Enthoven, whose theatrical collection helped establish the V&A's Theatre Collections. Little bequeathed his photograph collection to the V&A.
Context
Produced during the heyday of 'cartes de visite' (1854-1870s) and the subsequent rise of 'cabinet cards', this photograph reflects the Victorian public's fascination with collecting images of celebrities and notable figures, a precursor to modern-day celebrity culture.
Legacy
Now housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum, the photograph contributes to the historical record of 19th-century theatre personalities and the evolution of photographic technology and societal trends in image consumption.
Artist & collection
Artist
This crew shot photos in London’s back alleys and theater wings back when cameras were as big as shoeboxes.
