Theatrical Tinsel Print of Mr Cartlitch as ‘Percy of Northumberland’ c.1830

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Dramatic theatrical ‘Tinsel’ print of John Cartlitch playing Percy of Northumberland in ‘Chevy Chase’, depicting him standing in splendid stage costume with sword & shield, another curious lion armorial shield hovering top right, the background with a stage set including a sinking boat and fortress with figures escaping on a horse.

Inscribed below: “MR CARTLITCH as PERCY OF NORTHUMBERLAND in Chevy Chase / London. Published 29th May 1832 by Orlando Hodgson 10 Cloth Fair / No. 104 / New Series / Scenes and Characters in Chevy Chase are now publishing as above in the same superior style as ‘Aladdin’. ”

Dated 1832

Frame: 29 x 24cm

Good condition, minor blotches on paper

Dating to the earlier 19th century, a ‘Tinsel’ picture was a theatrical image of a stage character of the time, available as either plain for a penny, or coloured for tuppence. They were then enhanced with ‘tinsel’, tinfoil cutouts, glittery beads and scraps of cloth, as a home project, aimed at the children in need of entertainment.
This example is not embellished, just coloured.

John G. Cartlitch appeared as ‘Percy of Northumberland’ in Henry M Milner’s 1832 play called ‘Chevy Chase’, which tells the 14th century story of Percy of Northumberland and his epic battle with the Douglas clan of Scotland. This all takes place in the borderland regions, left wild and used for hunting, known as ‘Chevy Chase’. 

An identical engraving can be seen here: https://luna.folger.edu/luna/servlet/detail/FOLGERCM1~6~6~270261~118489:Mr–Cartlich-as-Percy-of-Northumber

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