Description: Own a piece of theatre history with this handsome set of four original costumes sketches by famed British designer Howell Russell. Similar sketched are included in the permanent collections of the Victoria & London Museum in London and the Chicago Public Library. The collection includes four watercolor costume paintings by Howell Russell. Each depicts a woman dressed to represent a particular country (France, Germany, Prussia and Russia) as part of the Parade of Nations ballet in the production SINBAD that played at the Alhambra Music Hall in London and the Chicago Opera House. Three are signed by Russell with two dated 1893 and have other handwritten notes visible in the photos. The sketches are done in watercolor and/or gouache on watercolor board with silver or gold details. Frames are gilded wood and the finished size of each is 12.5" x 15.5". The velvet mats are in four different shades selected to complement each sketches. As stated above, the velvet shows some fading which does not appear to have affected the paintings. Howell Russell grew up in Workington, Cumberland, England. He began his design career at the Prince's Theatre in Bristol England before moving to London and the Alhambra Music Hall where he designed over nineteen productions. These pieces were part of the collection of a New York City theatre designer from whom I acquired them. As a result of a move to smaller quarters, I do not have the space to hang them. The sunshine here made photographing difficult with many reflections but the sense of the pieces is there. I have been unable to find comparable pieces on the market and neither the V & A nor the Library indicate value for their pieces. This unique collection of theatre history can be yours for only $650. I think I have come up with a very fair price for these four original pieces. If you don't agree, feel free to make a reasonable offer. Alternatively, I will sell the four paintings UNFRAMED for $450 with free shipping. Contact me if this is your preference.
Price: 650 USD
Location: Sarasota, Florida
End Time: 2025-01-14T21:13:56.000Z
Shipping Cost: 25 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Artist: Howell Russell
Unit of Sale: Set of Four
Color: Multi-Color
Date of Creation: 1800-1899
Material: Watercolor
Region of Origin: Europe
Subject: Theatre Costumes
Type: Painting
Listed By: Private Collector
Signed?: Signed
Original/Licensed Reproduction: Original
Width (Inches): 12.5
Height (Inches): 15.5
Style: Art Nouveau
Painting Surface: Board
Original/Reproduction: Original
Features: Framed, Matted, Signed
