Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by Moira & Haigh. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This Victorian-era photograph depicts actress Georgina Weiss.
About this work
Overview
This Victorian-era photograph depicts actress Georgina Weiss. Created by the photography team Moira & Haigh, it is an example of a carte de visite, a small photographic print popular among collectors.
Technique & Style
The carte de visite was a type of albumen print made from a glass negative and mounted on card. This format was patented in 1854 and became widely popular during the 1860s.
History & Provenance
The photograph is part of a collection assembled by Guy Tristram Little, a collector and solicitor who bequeathed it to the V&A. Little was also the executor of Mrs. Gabrielle Enthoven, whose theatrical collection contributed to the V&A's Theatre Collections.
Context
During the Victorian era, actors and actresses often had studio photographs taken for cartes de visite, which were collected by fans and helped maintain the popularity of theatrical figures.
Artist & collection
Artist
Moira and Haigh spent their evenings at London’s Theatre Royal sneaking backstage to photograph actors mid-change, their bulky camera hidden under a coat like contraband.
