Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist W. & D. Downey. It dates from 1876 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This is a photograph of Ada Wilson, taken by W.
About this work
In 1876, photographers W. & D. Downey took a formal portrait of Ada Wilson. This image was made for the popular ‘cartes de visite’—small photos on stiff cards meant for collecting.
Famous actors often posed for these cards in costume or plain clothes. The trend started in the 1860s and faded as bigger ‘cabinet cards’ took over.
You’ll find this photo at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
This is a photograph of Ada Wilson, taken by W. & D. Downey in 1876.
Technique & Style
The image is a 'carte de visite', a small albumen print on stiff card, a popular photographic format during the Victorian era.
History & Provenance
The photograph was collected by Guy Tristram Little, a solicitor and collector, who bequeathed it to the Victoria and Albert Museum as part of a large collection of 'cartes de visite' and 'cabinet cards'.
Context
During the 1860s and 1870s, actors and actresses commonly had studio photographs taken for 'cartes de visite', which were often collected and kept in albums.
Artist & collection
Artist
These sisters turned a London studio into a backstage pass for Victorian theater.
Guy Little Theatrical Photographs
Guy Little Theatrical Photographs
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photographs
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photographs
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photographs
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph