Fashion — 1850-1851
Armband, performance costume armband
A pair of leather wristbands decorated with metallic sequins and studs. Part of a suit of stage armour worn by the actor Charles Kean in the role of Hotspur in Shakespeare's Henry IV part one. The suit of polished leather on a foundation of red cloth consists of a sleeved doublet, trousers, gauntlets, ankle-boots and damask tunic with the armorial bearings of Percy of Northumberland.
The costume dates from the 1850s when Charles was co-manager of the Princess's Theatre in London where he produced a series of Shakespearian plays that aimed for 'authenticity'. The accuracy of the heraldry on the surcoat and the armour are indications of the actor's insistence on historical accuracy.
- Category:
- Fashion
- Object ID:
- 35.135g-h
- Object name:
- armband, performance costume armband
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- 1850-1851
- Material:
leather, metal (unidentified)
- Measurements/duration:
- W 100 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.