Printed Ephemera — 1854
Playbill
In the 19th century theatres competed to attract audiences, vying with each other to offer evermore extravagant and spectacular entertainments. Technical developments in the printing industry brought new typefaces which they seized upon to create bold and eye-catching playbills. The promised attractions were described in great detail and often illustrated with wood-block engravings.
This bill advertises the programme of plays at the Royal Victoria Theatre for the week beginning 17 April 1854. The Royal Victoria was on Barkham Terrace, St George's Road, Lambeth.
In its review of 'The World's War' on Tuesday 18 April 'The Times' newspaper described the atmosphere at the Royal Victoria. "There is always ... the same regular and ready class of visitors, the same elements of discord, the same yells, groans and hootings, ... showers of orange peel, strong scents of rum and ... pitchers of porter circulating all over the house".
- Category:
- Printed Ephemera
- Object ID:
- 2007.1/198
- Object name:
- playbill
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- 1854
- Material:
paper
- Measurements/duration:
- H 263 mm, W 435 mm
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Permanent collection
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.