an original tuppence coloured etched copper plate print of " mr.palmer as Demetrius " hopes new gladiators no.2 by Joseph hope Williams. (b.1937)
unframed.
signed in pencil in the border.
paper size ... 270mm x 200mm
Joseph hope Williams known as the last "tinseller" first became interested in creating his own etched copper plate theatrical prints in 1959. he was carrying on an art that rose to popularity during the victorian period blending 19th century techniques and colours with his own unique style.
theatre was the main source of entertainment during the victorian era. entrerprising printers such as John Kilby Green,and later in 1880 Benjamin Pollock, made etchings of the popular actors of the day, they were sold as penny plain or tuppence coloured. this began the toy theatre craze which involved the art of tinselling the theatrical portraits using tiny pieces of foil, in pre stamped shapes that were applied with glue. tinselling added a dramatic effect allowing the characters to glint in the candle light when a production was played out at home. Many prints also used fabric pieces and other additions, these were known as dressed prints. popular in their day, theatrical tinsel prints are now rare, especially in good condition. There are collections in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the cooper-hewitt, smithsonian design museum in new york.
