{"meta":{"version":"2.1","_links":{"self":{"href":"https://api.vam.ac.uk/v2/object/O100926"},"collection_page":{"href":"https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O100926/"}},"images":{"_primary_thumbnail":"https://framemark.vam.ac.uk/collections/2009BY1415/full/!100,100/0/default.jpg","_iiif_image":"https://framemark.vam.ac.uk/collections/2009BY1415/","_alt_iiif_image":[],"imageResolution":"low","_images_meta":[{"assetRef":"2009BY1415","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2009BY1412","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2009BY1413","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2009BY1411","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2019ME3253","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2017KB0085","copyright":"©Victoria & Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2017KB0086","copyright":"©Victoria & Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2017KB0087","copyright":"©Victoria & Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2017KB0088","copyright":"©Victoria & Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2017KB0089","copyright":"©Victoria & Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2017KB0090","copyright":"©Victoria & Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2017KB0091","copyright":"©Victoria & Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2019ME9101","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false}]},"see_also":null},"record":{"systemNumber":"O100926","accessionNumber":"S.108:1 to 9-1993","objectType":"Theatre costume","titles":[{"title":"The Importance of Being Earnest","type":"generic title"}],"summaryDescription":"This costume was designed by Bob Crowley for Maggie Smith as Lady Bracknell in 1993. Stage costumes are not just beautiful in themselves, but give signals, not just about period, but about the character wearing the costume.  \r\n\r\nThe setting is 1895, and this costume at first glance is a simple translation of historical dress, with tailored jacket and leg-of-mutton sleeves balanced by the width of the skirt.  The resulting upright posture implies confidence and self-possession - both notable traits of Lady Bracknell. However, the designer touch comes in the exaggerated shoulder-line achieved not just by the width of the sleeves, but the wide lapels; they created a monumental feel, which is not one whit contradicted by the diagonal stripes at the waist, which, in another costume, would emphasise the smallness of the waist and hence fragility and femininity. The costume calls to mind the power-dressing of the 1980s, which became fashionable during Mrs Thatcher's term as Prime Minister, although it may be fanciful to see the 'Iron Lady' also reflected in the dark grey satin.  The huge, plumed hat, adds to the upright structure and the impression of iron will and determination that are part of Lady Bracknell's formidable character.","physicalDescription":"","artistMakerPerson":[{"name":{"text":"Crowley, Bob","id":"A13036"},"association":{"text":"costume designer","id":"AAT163428"},"note":""}],"artistMakerOrganisations":[],"artistMakerPeople":[],"materials":[],"techniques":[],"materialsAndTechniques":"","categories":[{"text":"Entertainment & Leisure","id":"THES48959"},{"text":"Theatre costume","id":"THES268477"}],"styles":[],"collectionCode":{"text":"T&P","id":"THES48602"},"images":["2009BY1415","2009BY1412","2009BY1413","2009BY1411","2019ME3253","2017KB0085","2017KB0086","2017KB0087","2017KB0088","2017KB0089","2017KB0090","2017KB0091","2019ME9101"],"imageResolution":"low","galleryLocations":[{"current":{"text":"FR002","id":"THES411630"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"FR002","id":"THES411630"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"FR002","id":"THES411630"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"001","id":"THES343188"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"013","id":"THES308820"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"013","id":"THES308820"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"013","id":"THES308820"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"001","id":"THES366794"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"001","id":"THES366799"},"free":"","case":"","shelf":"","box":""}],"partTypes":[[{"text":"Theatre costume","id":""}],[{"text":"Bodice","id":""}],[{"text":"Theatre costume","id":""}],[{"text":"Skirt","id":""}],[{"text":"Theatre costume","id":""}],[{"text":"Underskirt","id":""}],[{"text":"Theatre costume","id":""}],[{"text":"Hats","id":"AAT46106"}],[{"text":"Theatre costume","id":""}],[{"text":"Gloves","id":"AAT148821"}],[{"text":"Theatre costume","id":""}],[{"text":"Gloves","id":"AAT148821"}],[{"text":"theatre costumes","id":"x47007"}],[{"text":"bags (costume accessories)","id":"AAT198926"}],[{"text":"Theatre costume","id":""}],[{"text":"Parasol","id":""}],[{"text":"Theatre costume","id":""}],[{"text":"Wig","id":""}]],"contentWarnings":[{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""},{"apprise":"","note":""}],"placesOfOrigin":[{"place":{"text":"Worthing","id":"x35737"},"association":{"text":"made","id":"x28654"},"note":""}],"productionDates":[{"date":{"text":"1993","earliest":"1993-01-01","latest":"1993-12-31"},"association":{"text":"made","id":"x28654"},"note":""}],"associatedObjects":[],"creditLine":"Given by Robert Fox","dimensions":[{"dimension":"Height","value":"220","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"","note":""},{"dimension":"Width","value":"100","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"","note":""},{"dimension":"Depth","value":"100","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"","note":""},{"dimension":"Length","value":"20","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"Glove, length (right hand)","note":""},{"dimension":"Width","value":"8","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"Glove, width (right hand)","note":""},{"dimension":"Length","value":"20","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"Glove, length (left hand)","note":""},{"dimension":"Width","value":"8","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"Glove, width (left hand)","note":""},{"dimension":"Length","value":"26","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"Bag, length","note":""},{"dimension":"Width","value":"17","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"Bag, width","note":""},{"dimension":"Weight","value":"0.65","unit":"kg","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"Packed weight of parts: 5, 6 and 7","note":""}],"dimensionsNote":"whole costume measured on mannequin, including hat","marksAndInscriptions":[{"content":"","inscriber":{"name":{"text":"","id":""},"association":{"text":"","id":""}},"date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"description":"","interpretation":"","language":"","medium":"","method":"","position":"","script":"","translation":"","transliteration":" ","type":"","note":""}],"objectHistory":"This costume was worn by Maggie Smith as Lady Bracknell in Oscar Wilde's play <i>The Importance of Being Earnest</i>, Aldwych Theatre, London, 1993. The production was directed by Nicholas Hytner and designed by Bob Crowley.  The cast also included Richard E. Grant, Alex Jennings, Claire Skinner, and Margaret Tyzack.","historicalContext":"","briefDescription":"Costume worn by Maggie Smith as Lady Bracknell in <i>The Importance of Being Earnest</i>, Aldwych Theatre, London, 1993","bibliographicReferences":[],"production":"","productionType":{"text":"","id":""},"contentDescription":"","contentPlaces":[],"associatedPlaces":[],"contentPerson":[],"associatedPerson":[],"contentOrganisations":[],"associatedOrganisations":[],"contentPeople":[],"associatedPeople":[],"contentEvents":[],"associatedEvents":[],"contentOthers":[],"contentConcepts":[],"contentLiteraryRefs":[],"galleryLabels":[{"text":"Costume for Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest\r\n1993\r\n\nMaggie Smith’s appearance as Lady Bracknell was\r\na much anticipated event, and this striking costume\r\ndemonstrates a perfect union of character, actor and\r\ncostume. The skirt is a simple affair but it is the bodice\r\nthat commands the attention and draws the eye to\r\nthe grande dame of English drama.\n\r\nPlay by Oscar Wilde, 1895\r\nAldwych Theatre, London\n\r\nSatin, silk, lace, braid and feathers\r\nDesigned by Bob Crowley\n\r\nGiven by Robert Fox\r\nMuseum no. S.108:1, 2 to 4–1993","date":{"text":"March 2009","earliest":"2009-03-01","latest":"2009-03-31"}}],"partNumbers":["S.108:1-1993","S.108:2-1993","S.108:3-1993","S.108:4-1993","S.108:5-1993","S.108:6-1993","S.108:7-1993","S.108:8-1993","S.108:9-1993"],"accessionNumberNum":"108","accessionNumberPrefix":"S","accessionYear":1993,"otherNumbers":[],"copyNumber":"","aspects":["WHOLE","Theatre costume [1]","Theatre costume [2]","Theatre costume [3]","Theatre costume [4]","Theatre costume [5]","Theatre costume [6]","Theatre costume [7]","Theatre costume [8]","Theatre costume [9]"],"assets":["2019LP3593","2019LT6757","2019LU6205","2019LU4912","2019LU2867","2019LV9391"],"recordModificationDate":"2026-02-24","recordCreationDate":"2004-06-17","availableToBook":false}}