Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist Walker, C.B.. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This photograph is from 1885. It's called Guy Little Theatrical Photograph.
The photo is related to a theatrical production that parodied The Vicar of Wakefield. This production was first staged at the Lyceum Theatre in 1885. Photography was a new development back then, and actors often had studio photos taken.
You can learn more about the artist who took this photo, Walker, C.B.
Overview
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is an 1885 albumen print depicting an actor in costume from a theatrical parody of Oliver Goldsmith's The Vicar of Wakefield. The image is part of a larger collection of theatrical photographs compiled by Guy Tristram Little.
Subject & Meaning
The photograph captures Linden, an actor in a parody production of The Vicar of Wakefield, wearing a costume intentionally referencing the 18th-century style garments worn by Dame Ellen Terry in the original Lyceum Theatre production. The parody itself was staged at the Lyceum Theatre in 1885, the same year as the photograph.
Technique & Style
The photograph is an albumen print from a glass negative, mounted on stiff card backing, characteristic of 'cartes de visite' popular in the mid-to-late 19th century. The style reflects the formal, posed tradition of Victorian studio photography.
History & Provenance
Taken in 1885 by photographer C.B. Walker, the photograph was later acquired by collector Guy Tristram Little, who mounted it in an album before bequeathing his collection to the V&A upon his death in 1953.
Context
Created during the heyday of 'cartes de visite' (patented in 1854 and prevalent in the 1860s), this photograph represents the Victorian era's fascination with both new photographic technology and theatrical culture. It also highlights the practice of actors commissioning studio photos in character.
Artist & collection
Artist
C.B. Walker spent years lurking backstage at New York theaters, camera in tow, waiting for actors to let their guard down between takes. He caught them mid-yawn or adjusting a wig, not the posed glamour shots everyone…
