Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist London Stereoscopic Company. It dates from 1884 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This photograph depicts Fred Leslie in the role of Ayala from the play The Grand Mogul, performed at the Comedy Theatre.
About this work
Overview
This photograph depicts Fred Leslie in the role of Ayala from the play The Grand Mogul, performed at the Comedy Theatre. It is an example of a theatrical 'carte de visite', a type of albumen print on card, popular during the Victorian era.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Fred Leslie as Ayala, highlights the photograph's purpose: capturing theatrical personalities for public admiration. Such images contributed to the celebrity culture of the time, allowing fans to collect and admire likenesses of performers.
Technique & Style
The photograph is an albumen print from a glass negative, mounted on stiff card backing. This technique, characteristic of 'cartes de visite', ensured mass producibility and durability, fitting for a collectible item.
History & Provenance
Originally part of a 'carte de visite' collection, this photograph was later removed from its backing and mounted in an album by collector Guy Tristram Little. Upon his death in 1953, the collection was bequeathed to the V&A, where it remains as part of the theatre collections.
Context
Created during the 1860s, when 'cartes de visite' were at the peak of their popularity, this photograph reflects the intersection of emerging photographic technology with Victorian theatrical culture and the burgeoning practice of collecting celebrity images.
Artist & collection
Artist
The London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company was founded in 1854 by George Swan Nottage and Howard John Kennard.
