Later Victorian Portraits Catalogue

I. IN PRIVATE CHARACTER
Self-portraits
Probable self-portraits
Paintings, drawings, sculptures and prints
Posthumous portraits
Photographs and film
II. IN STAGE CHARACTER (alphabetically by play or act)

I. IN PRIVATE CHARACTERback to top

Self-portraitsback to top

c.1900
Pencil sketch, inscr. ‘My word you / surprise me / Dan Leno’, head, profile to left, hair drawn into top-knot, wearing high wing collar; untraced.

Postcard, publ. Philco Publishing Co., captioned ‘Sketch of Dan Leno drawn and signed by himself’; print NPG Ax160024. Repr. Wood 1905, facing p.14, when the original was owned by George Scott of the Alhambra Music Hall.

undated
Thumbnail sketch; see NPG 2750.

Pen and ink sketch, on postcard stamped and addressed to Harry Furniss, signed and inscr. ‘Thats [sic] my sub editor going to get a cup of tea’, whole-length, reclining by bush, beside open book and top hat containing bottles or scrolls, another male figure to right; untraced. Repr. Furniss 1924, p.156, captioned ‘Dan Leno’s Card’. For Furniss’s pictorial rejoinder, see below, ‘In private character, Paintings, drawings, sculptures and prints, Undated’ .

Probable self-portraitsback to top

publ. 1899
?Ink and wash drawing, whole-length reclining, hands behind head, under bush in garden, building and foliage to right; untraced. Repr. Leno 1899, p.23, captioned ‘Dan Leno at Home’. Not indexed as a self-portrait in Leno 1899, but the same pose is depicted on the postcard addressed to Harry Furniss above.

Vignette copy; Royal Theatrical Fund, on loan 2016 to Grand Order of Water Rats.

Paintings, drawings, sculptures and printsback to top

In many cases, it is not possible to tell if images, and especially caricatures, depict Leno in civilian or theatrical costume, so intertwined were his personal and stage roles.

1888
Design by unidentified artist, head-and-shoulders to front, eyes to left, unsmiling, wearing tall stiff collar; untraced. Repr. as vignette on cover of sheet music titled ‘Young Men Taken In and Done For’, publ. Francis Brothers & Day; cover repr. Anthony 2010, p.82, pl.8, dated in caption.

1889
Design by unidentified artist, head-and-shoulders to front, eyes to right, unsmiling, wearing stiff collar and dark jacket with braided revers. Repr. as vignette on cover of sheet music titled ‘The Muffin Man’, publ. Francis Brothers & Day; cover repr. Anthony 2010, p.102, pl.12.

c.1891
Pen and ink drawing by ‘Thos.’, signed and inscr. ‘[illegible] Theatrical / Dan Leno at the Tivoli’, whole-length, half-profile to left, right arm extended, left hand holding top hat, shown as if running; V&A, London, S.762-2014.

Although the subject is presented as on stage, he does not appear to be in costume.

publ. 1898
Caricature design by ?Sidney Herbert Sime, whole-length to left, seated at office desk, face towards viewer, smoking cigar and holding quill pen, other figures and images in chaotic office; untraced. Repr. Dan Leno’s Comic Journal, 26 Feb. 1898, front cover; and Brandreth 1977, pl.13.

Caricature design by Edward Tennyson Reed, ‘The Skippydan, or Droorileno’, head with comic curls, attached to body of imaginary creature with large feet; untraced. Exh. FAS, July 1899 (125); repr. Reed 1898, no.26, captioned ‘This little Animal is never still for a moment though it is full of wheezes. He is very proud of his feet – you can see them if you look carefully. Sculpters [sic] rave about him – they say he is so stattuwesk.’

c.1898
Bronze-painted plaster or terracotta bust, attributed to Tony Carter, head, turned slightly to right, wearing jacket, collar and large-knot tie; Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. [1] Photograph repr. Leno 1899, p.119, plate engr. ‘Tony Carter’, captioned ‘My Bust / (Tony Carter, Sculptor)’.

See also photograph by Herbert James Tear, London, ‘Photograph of terracotta bust of Mr Dan Leno Comedian’; reg. for copyright 1898 Oct. 13: National Archives (COPY 1/438/184).

1898–9
Multiple images in Dan Leno’s Comic Journal, a comic paper founded by, and based on, Leno. Published by (Cyril) Arthur Pearson, it ran from 26 Feb. 1898 until 2 Dec. 1899, with unsigned artwork by Tom Browne, Frank Holland, Charles Genge and others. Each cover carried a caricature of Leno and his ‘editorial staff’ at work and play, and the contents included various cartoons and verbal jokes.

publ. 1899
Pen and ink caricature by unidentified artist, whole-length, large head on small body, grinning and striding to right while writing on notepad; untraced. Repr. Leno 1899, front cover.

Ink and wash design by unidentified artist, head-and-shoulders to front, in female dress, wearing large artificial flower above ear; untraced. Repr. Leno 1899, p.17, captioned ‘only a face’.

publ. 1900
Caricature design by Edward Tennyson Reed, signed and inscr. ‘Unauthorized Rumours!’, whole-length, profile to left, capering, wearing full military dress uniform with sword held upright, eight more figures to right; in folio of cartoons and caricatures offered at Lawrences, Crewkerne, 15 Apr. 2016 (1545), see Bridgeman Images AAH3057557. Repr. Punch, 10 Jan. 1900, p.21, captioned ‘Unauthorised War Rumours: the Leno Light Horse!: The report that Colonel Sir Daniel Leno is raising a squadron of light horse, drawn entirely from stage circles, is, we regret to learn, entirely without foundation’.

The joke refers both to the Anglo-Boer War and to Leno’s act as a member of the Household Cavalry (see below, ‘In stage character, Solo act: Household Cavalryman, Photographs, c.1900’).

See also Forbes-Robertson, Grain, Irving, Tree.

publ. 1901
Caricature design by Will Owen, signed, whole-length, walking to right, head turned to front, wearing jester’s cap and oversize shoes, carrying small case; untraced. Repr. Tatler, 4 Dec. 1901, p.436, captioned ‘Dan Leno on his way to Sandringham’; see Getty Images 113488422.

publ. 1902
Caricature design by David Wilson, signed and inscr., whole-length, holding on to punt pole; untraced. Repr. Tatler, 17 Sept. 1902, p.469, captioned ‘The Daniel who did not meet the lions at the Oval in the comic cricket match last week. Mr Leno, who is suffering from an attack of nervous depression, is now recruiting at the Isle of Wight’.

1904
Caricature design in woodblock manner by unidentified artist, to front, large head wearing checked cap on small body seated at wheel of open motor car; untraced. Repr. on cover of Dan Leno: Hys Booke, 1904 ed.; cover repr. Anthony 2010, p.171, pl.31.

Designs by David Wilson, ‘Dan Leno / at the London Pavilion’, four images of Leno (as himself, as urchin selling fish, as ‘the Widow with memories of Friday Nights’ and as cellist); untraced. Repr. Anthony 2010, p.196, pl.39, where dated.

undated
Pastel caricature by Alfred Bryan, whole-length, head on miniaturized body, wearing morning dress; V&A, London, S.401-2010.

Pen and ink silhouette on postcard by Harry Furniss, inscr. ‘from Harry Furniss / with all good wishes / April 1st / to Dan Leno / Editor / Thats [sic] your sub editor returning from getting his cup of tea’, outline figure sitting up by bush, second male figure to right; untraced. Repr. Furniss 1924, p.159, captioned ‘Dan Leno’s Card’. For what appears to be Leno’s originating caricature, see above, ‘In private character, Self-portraits, Undated’.

Ink and wash caricature design by Max Beerbohm, signed and inscr. ‘The Great Commoner’, whole-length to right, standing with ?table at right, left arm raised, right hand on hip, wearing dark coat and outsize shoes; untraced. Image from Rupert Hart-Davis Archive, courtesy Mark Samuels Lasner, U. of Delaware.

Believed drawn for a book but never published.

Ceramic jug by unidentified artist, with transfer engraving and facsimile signature; V&A, London, S.879-1981.

Designs by David Wilson, in female costume; untraced. Repr. Tatler, 27 Apr. 1904, pp.143–4.

Posthumous portraitsback to top

1914
Oil on canvas, 1130 x 1510mm, by (John) Byam Liston Shaw, Design for the New Act Drop for the London Coliseum, signed and dated, head-and-shoulders, facing front, to left in foreground, with numerous other theatrical, musical and artistic celebrities represented in an architectural setting; English National Opera, London. Exh. RA 1914 (536); Byam Shaw, Ashmolean M., Oxford, 1986 (29, ill.); and Edwardian Opulence, Yale Centre for British Art, New Haven, CT, 2013 (55, ill. with key [no.12]); repr. Sketch, 6 May 1914, p.133.

The full-size act drop was destroyed.

See also Alexander, Alma-Tadema, Anderson, M. Bancroft, S. Bancroft, Campbell, Farren, Forbes-Robertson, Hare, Irving, Leighton, Millais, Terry, Tree, Waller, Watts, Whistler, Wyndham.

Pen and wash study, by (John) Byam Liston Shaw, ‘Dan Leno, the Great Commoner’, signed, no details; untraced; Christie’s, 10 Dec. 1986 (6).

publ. 1927
Design by Elizabeth Pyke, whole-length to front, wearing top hat and tailcoat; untraced. Repr. Prentis 1927, unknown p. no.; see MEPL, London, 10088057.

Photographs and filmback to top

early 1880s
Photograph by Snowden, head-and-shoulders, turned to left, unsmiling expression, wearing wing collar and tie with pin. Repr. Wood 1905, p.1, captioned ‘The first authentic portrait / from a photograph by Snowden’.

1883
Photographs by Charles Dennison, three-quarter-length standing beside table, with large elaborate belt, two known poses:
(a) near-profile to left, to right of table, right elbow on table. Repr. Brandreth 1977, pl.2b, ‘with the belt of the Champion Clog Dancer of the World’.
(b) looking to right, to left of table, left hand on edge of table. Repr. Wood 1905, facing p.74, captioned ‘His First and Only Moustache’, where photographer credited; and Anthony 2010, pl.4, captioned ‘Champion clog dancer 1883’.

1884
Photograph by unidentified photographer, half-length standing, third from left in group with wife Lydia, her parents and baby Georgina. Repr. Brandreth 1977, pl.3a, where date given.

publ. 1895
Photograph by London Stereoscopic & Photographic Co., head-and-shoulders, to front, wearing white wing collar and pale tie under pin-stripe jacket. Repr. Sketch, 2 Jan. 1895, p.448; and Era, 1 Dec. 1900 (as vignette).

1896
Photograph by unidentified photographer, three-quarter-length seated, to front, in family group, wearing flat cap. Repr. Brandreth 1977, pl.3b, captioned ‘Dan and Lydia and their children in 1896’.

reg. 1896
Photographs by Aby Ullman, whole-length standing and laughing, with ‘Little Tich’ (Harry Relph); two poses reg. for copyright 1896 July 20:
(a) looking at each other and laughing; National Archives (COPY 1/425/740).
(b) ‘standing and laughing’; National Archives (COPY 1/425/741).

?c.1896
Photograph by Langfier Ltd, head-and-shoulders to front, quizzical expression, wearing wing collar, tie with small pattern and jewelled pin under tweed jacket; prints colls Royal Theatrical Fund, on loan 2016 to Grand Order of Water Rats; and Getty Images 3283056, where dated c.1900.

Postcard (no further details); print Garrick Club, London, David Allen Album no.26, inscr. by sitter ‘Yours truly / Dan Leno / To Little Margery’.

Another postcard (no further details), head detail; print NPG Ax160019.

Conjectural date from relatively youthful appearance and Langfier images of Leno in clown costume.

Photograph by Langfier Ltd, half-length standing, slightly to right, looking to camera, arms folded on chest; Royal Theatrical Fund, on loan 2016 to Grand Order of Water Rats. Possibly a variant pose from above session.

c.1897
Photograph by E[dward?] Sharp, inscr. by sitter ‘Yours truly / Dan Leno / 1897’, head-and-shoulders vignette, looking left, wearing tall collar, dark large-knot tie, buttonhole in left lapel. Repr. Leno 1899, p.49, captioned ‘Himself’.

Photograph by unidentified photographer, whole-length standing, to left, looking to camera, wearing striped one-piece swimsuit, figures on beach in deck chairs looking round. Postcard, inscr. ‘Dan Leno “The Diver” / 139.11’ (no further details). Repr. Anthony 2010, p.105, pl.15.

Image dated by ref. to his Swimming Instructor character, which Leno is known to have played in 1898 (see below, ‘In stage character, Solo act: swimming instructor’).

reg. 1899
Photograph by Alexander Corbett for Alfred Ellis, three-quarter-length seated, with Milton Bode; reg. for copyright 1899 Apr. 11: National Archives (COPY 1/440/66(13)).

publ. 1899
Photograph by Mrs Barton (no further details), whole-length on horseback, lying to left on horse’s neck, wearing hat and cape, holding shotgun in left hand. Repr. Graphic, 9 Dec. 1899, p.796, captioned ‘“On the Warpath”: The Latest Portrait of Dan Leno / from a photograph by Mrs Barton, Birmingham’.

c.1890s
Photograph by unidentified photographer, head-and-shoulders, to front, centre parting, wearing pale, loose-knot tie; copy print V&A, London, S.146:514-2007; no other prints located. Leno looks young.

?1890s
Photograph by Paul Martin, half-length, to front, uncombed hair, hapless expression, arms crossed, wearing evening dress with buttonhole; coll. RPS, NMM, 7739, dated c.1890. Repr. as oval vignette Black & White, 5 Nov. 1904, p.653, credited to ‘Denton’.

1900
Film by Warwick Trading Co., Dan Leno’s Attempt to Master the Cycle, 1 minute, released Aug. 1900, BFI identifier 148784.

Film by Northern Photographic Works, Dan Leno’s Cricket Match, 2 minutes, directed by Arthur Cooper, released Sept. 1900, BFI identifier 148785.

publ. 1900
Photograph by London Stereoscopic & Photographic Co., to front, wearing wing collar and white tie; no further details. Head-and-shoulders vignette repr. Era, 1 Dec. 1900, unknown p. no.

reg. 1900
Photographs by John G. Williams, Surrey, two poses reg. for copyright 1900 June 16:
(a) ‘photograph of Dan Leno at cricket’; National Archives (COPY 1/446/399).
(b) group, Leno in centre, man on right standing on hands, man on left kneeling on bench; National Archives (COPY 1/446/400).

Photograph by George W. Tottem, Balham, London, main figure in group on cricket field, reg. for copyright 1900 July 18: National Archives (COPY 1/447/139).

c.1900
Photograph by William Davey, head-and-shoulders, smiling, wearing coat with Persian lamb collar, in group above heads of Johnny Danvers and Herbert Campbell; Getty Images 3287421; another print, inscr. ‘Drury Lane Trio’, repr. Anthony 2010, p.167, pl.30.

Tall-format postcard, cropped from sides, publ. Rotary Photographic Co. Ltd; print NPG Ax160244.

Photograph by William Davey, head-and-shoulders, to front, looking right, large Persian lamb collar on overcoat. Postcard, Empire series, no.45 (no further details); print Alamy A268H0.

Photograph by unidentified photographer, whole-length standing, to front, left hand holding pitchfork loaded with hay, Lydia to right, two children also haymaking in foreground. Repr. Anthony 2010, p.158, pl.28, captioned ‘Dan, Lydia and children’.

1901
Film by British Mutoscope & Biograph Co., Dan Leno, Musical Director, 1 minute, released July 1901 (no further details).

Film by Warwick Trading Co., Dan Leno’s Day Out, 2 minutes, released July 1901 (no further details).

Film by British Mutoscope & Biograph Co., Dan Leno’s Record Score at the Oval (no further details).

Film stills by British Mutoscope and Biograph Co., from Dan Leno’s Record Score at the Oval, two known poses:
(a) whole-length, wearing pale top hat and loose shirt, standing in comical bow-legged posture holding cricket bat, another player in whites behind. Repr. Wood 1905, facing p.242, captioned ‘The Correct Attitude’.
(b) without hat, leaning forward with cricket bat as if about to hit ball, three cricketers wearing top hats behind. Repr. Wood 1905, facing p.240, captioned ‘At the Music Hall Sports’.

publ. 1901
Photograph by unidentified photographer, whole-length in group, standing by cricket stumps, arms across chest, wearing comic costume. Repr. Black & White Budget, 21 Sept. 1901, p.805, captioned ‘The Cricket Match of the Season / Dan Leno Bowls’.

1902
Photographic negative by Lafayette, whole-length, profile to left, seated on folding chair in garden, holding top hat between knees, Lydia standing to left, holding doll on Leno’s right shoulder; Lafayette Negative Archive, V&A, London, 001. A note reads: ‘A slight variation [of the pose] appeared in The Tatler 23 July 1902, p.151, [captioned] “Mr Dan Leno & his wife / The King’s Jester at the Coronation Bazaar”.’

The Coronation Bazaar, fundraising for Great Ormond St Hospital, took place in Regent’s Park 10–12 July 1902.

Film by British Mutoscope & Biograph Co., An Obstinate Cork, ½ minute, directed by William Dickson, released Nov. 1902, BFI identifier 151510.

Film stills by British Mutoscope & Biograph Co., from An Obstinate Cork, two known poses:
(a) three-quarter-length, profile to right, standing by table in garden opening champagne bottle, Lydia to right. Repr. Anthony 2010, p.176, pl.32.
(b) three-quarter-length standing, profile to right, opening champagne bottle, Lydia standing to right, hands raised. Repr. Wood 1905, facing p.252, captioned ‘Birthday Rejoicings’.

Film by British Mutoscope & Biograph Co., Dessert at Dan Leno’s House, ½ minute, directed by William Dickson, released Nov. 1902, BFI identifier 148879.

reg. 1902
Photographs by William Davey, two poses reg. for copyright 1902 Jan. 9:
(a) whole-length, to front, hands clasped, leaning on chairback in conservatory; National Archives (COPY 1/454/40), prints colls Getty Images 3287418; and ILN Archive (cropped image showing only figure and chair) (see MEPL, London, 10511689).
(b) ‘with hat on, nearly full face’; National Archives (COPY 1/454/4).

Photograph by Spence Lees, Isle of Man, ‘taken at Douglas, reclining on a tree’, reg. for copyright 1902 Mar. 6: National Archives (COPY 1/454/395). A print of this or a variant pose, captioned ‘The King’s Jester’, is in Roy Waters Theatre Coll., RHUL, RW 7/2/1/47, where photographer named.

Photograph by Alfred Joscelyn, Stoke Newington, London, ‘Music hall artistes taken at Hackney Empire May 13th 1902’, in group, reg. for copyright 1902 May 20: National Archives (COPY 1/455/343).

Photograph by William Davey, ‘Dan Leno as an athlete, full face, head and shoulders bare’, reg. for copyright 1902 July 22: National Archives (COPY 1/456/200).

Photographs by William Davey, ‘Dan Leno nearly full face, with the King’s Scarf Pin’, two poses reg. for copyright 1902 Aug. 1: National Archives (COPY 1/456/264–5). One of these, showing sitter bust-length, to front, wearing deep stiff collar, satin tie with elaborate pin and buttonhole in left lapel, repr. Graphic, 5 Nov. 1904, p.599, captioned ‘One of the latest portraits’; Daily Graphic, 9 Nov. 1904, p.91, captioned ‘“The King’s Jester”’; Wood, 1905, facing p.210, captioned ‘Wearing the King’s Pin’; and Brandreth 1977, pl.14b, captioned ‘The King’s Jester wearing the King’s pin’.

Photograph by William Davey, ‘Dan Leno seated with dogs’, reg. for copyright 1902 Aug. 12: National Archives (COPY 1/456/311).

early 1900s
Photographs by William Davey, two known poses:
(a) bust-length, to front, wearing wing collar, patterned tie and dark jacket. Postcard, publ. Rotary Photographic Co. Ltd; prints colls NPG Ax160018 (inscr. ‘The old chap you have been warned’), where dated to early 1900s; and Getty Images 2672634.

See NPG Portrait Set ‘Patrick O’Connor Collection: Music Hall, Theatre and Film Stars 1890s–1940s’.

(b) whole-length standing, half-profile to right, right hand in trouser pocket, seven family members to right. Hand-coloured postcard, captioned ‘Mr & Mrs Dan Leno & Family’, publ. J. Beagles & Co.; print NPG x32133, where dated 1900–1904.

See NPG Portrait Set ‘Terence Pepper gift: photographs, prints and drawings, 1808–2008’.

reg. 1903
Photographs by Fred Coop, Birmingham, nine poses reg. for copyright 1903 June 9:
(a) whole-length looking over shoulder, holding picture; National Archives (COPY 1/462/275).
(b) three-quarter-length seated, laughing, pointing at picture; National Archives (COPY 1/462/276).
(c) head leaning on left hand; National Archives (COPY 1/462/277).
(d) head leaning on left hand, smiling; National Archives (COPY 1/462/278).
(e) looking to left, hand lower left in frame; National Archives (COPY 1/462/279).
(f) half-length, half-profile, wearing straw hat; National Archives (COPY 1/462/280).
(g) three-quarter-length, holding letter, startled expression; National Archives (COPY 1/462/281).
(h) three-quarter-length, left hand holding letter, right hand extended; National Archives (COPY 1/462/283).
(j) ‘Dan Leno laughing with arms folded’; National Archives (COPY 1/462/286).

Photographs by Alexander Corbett for Alfred Ellis, sixteen poses, in various forms of dress, reg. for copyright 1903 June 9: National Archives (COPY 1/462/293(1–16)). In five poses a musical instrument is visible; in three sitter wears ‘private dress’; in three he wears female dress; in two he wears ‘slouch hat’.

Photographs by Frank W. Brookman, West Norwood, London, ‘Dan Leno & the Leopard’, two poses reg. for copyright 1903 Sept. 2: National Archives (COPY 1/465/31–2).

Cabinet card by Nelson Jennings, Sydenham, London, ‘Mr Dan Leno on Bournemouth Pier’, reg. for copyright 1903 Nov. 4: National Archives (COPY 1/467/327).

c.1903
Photographs by J.G. King, two known poses:
(a) three-quarter-length standing, to right, with paints, brushes and buckets, in front of oriental backdrop. Repr. Wood 1905, facing p.255, captioned ‘Panorama’.
(b) three-quarter-length standing on garden steps, with Lydia and five children. Repr. Wood 1905, facing p.284, captioned ‘Dan Leno with wife and family’, where photographer credited.

Film still by British Mutoscope & Biograph Co., three-quarter-length standing behind tea-table in garden, Lydia standing to right, two boys seated at table, girl seated on grass, two more boys under table. Repr Wood 1905, facing p.264, captioned ‘In the Bosom of his Family’.

1904
Photograph by Denton & Co., whole-length standing, to front, wearing bowler hat and informal suit, left hand in jacket pocket, right hand holding walking stick. Repr. Wood 1905, frontispiece, captioned ‘The last portrait’.

Photograph by unidentified photographer, bust-length, to front, wearing tall stiff collar and patterned cravat (no buttonhole). Repr. Brandreth 1977, pl.1.

publ. 1904
Seven photographs by various photographers, in mixture of private and stage characters: as himself, whole-length standing, wearing bowler hat and holding walking stick, uncredited; as Sister Anne, uncredited; wearing loose white tie, by Denton & Co.; as Shop-walker, by Photo Co. (no further details); as newspaper editor, by Reginald Haines; gardening at home, by Foulsham & Banfield; and holding rabbits, by Foulsham & Banfield. All repr. Daily Mirror, 1 Nov. 1904, p.1; whole page repr. Brandreth 1977, pl.16.

undated
Photograph by William Davey or Langfier Ltd, three-quarter-length standing, profile to left, wearing evening dress, Lydia seated on left. Repr. Graphic, 5 Nov. 1904, p.599, captioned ‘The popular comedian and his wife’ (photos credited to ‘Langfier and W. Davey’).

Photograph by Sims & Rousham, whole-length reclining in hip bath, wearing shirt and trousers, left hand holding large bottle. Repr. Wood 1905, facing p.276, captioned ‘A Long Day in the Fresh Air!’; and Anthony 2010, p.128, pl.21.

Photograph by unidentified photographer, whole-length standing, to front, wearing tweed suit and hat, left hand in jacket pocket, right hand holding carved cane; Getty Images 3247809.

Photograph by unidentified photographer, three-quarter-length seated, to right, looking to camera, wearing wing collar and pin-stripe suit, legs and arms crossed; Getty Images 3403067.

Photograph by unidentified photographer, three-quarter-length standing, to front, wearing bowler hat and overcoat, hands clasped on cane; Royal Theatrical Fund, on loan 2016 to Grand Order of Water Rats.

Photograph by unidentified photographer, half-length, profile to left, standing in front of ?desk with shelves and papers, reading letter held in left hand, wearing dark jacket.

Cigarette card, publ. Ogden’s, Guinea Gold series; copy NPG x197024.

See NPG Portrait Set ‘Ogden’s “Guinea Gold” cigarette cards, published circa 1894–1907’.

Photograph by ?Horatio Nelson King, whole-length, to front, standing on garden steps, third from right in family group with Lydia, two daughters and three sons. Postcard, publ. Rotary Photographic Co. Ltd, captioned ‘Dan Leno & Family’; print, inscr. ‘We are seven! 17/9/03’, NPG x20007. Repr. Anthony 2010, p.160, pl.29.

Photograph by unidentified photographer, three-quarter-length standing, to front, holding bicycle handlebars, infant perched on seat, Lydia holding own bicycle to left. Repr. Anthony 2010, p.184, pl.35, captioned ‘Dan, Lydia and baby May’.

II. IN STAGE CHARACTER (alphabetically by play or act)back to top

Several roles created by Leno were standalone acts, not characters in a drama, although the definitions were blurred and, for example, an act could be incorporated in a pantomime. Dates here tend to follow first published reference, rather than performance.

Phonograph voice recordings from Leno’s acts are in the BL Sound Archive.

Aladdin (as ‘Widow Twankey’)
Leno famously played this role in Dec. 1896.

Self-portrait

1897
Pen and ink caricature, inscr. ‘Yours truly Mrs Dan Leno Twankey / Drury Lane 1897’, whole-length seated on stool, to right, head turned to front, left hand extended, in ‘Chinese’ costume; V&A, London, S.1107-2010.

Paintings, drawings, sculptures and prints

1896–7
Caricature design by Phil May, signed, whole-length standing, to front, hands clasped, wearing ‘Chinese’ costume; untraced. Repr. Anthony 2010, p.181. pl.34.

Photographs

reg. 1897
Photographs by Alexander Corbett for Alfred Ellis, in stage Oriental costume, six poses reg. for copyright 1897 Jan. 29:
(a) whole-length standing, ‘holding skirts out’; National Archives (COPY 1/428/464). Probably repr. Brandreth 1977, pl.6c, captioned ‘Mrs Twankey in Aladdin in 1896’.
(b) cabinet card, variant of (a); National Archives (COPY 1/428/465). The description accords with image repr. Anthony 2010, p.129, pl.24, and with V&A image no. 2006AH6177-01, in an online article titled ‘Pantomime Acts’, which though visibly stamped ‘Enthoven’ does not show up on a collections search or anywhere else but this article.
(c) cabinet card, whole-length standing, with Herbert Campbell; National Archives (COPY 1/428/467). Probably an original print of the copy photograph V&A, London, S.146:520-2007.
(d) cabinet card, whole-length standing, facing Campbell; National Archives (COPY 1/428/468).
(e) cabinet card, whole-length, dancing with Ernest D’Aubon; National Archives (COPY 1/428/469).
(f) cabinet card, whole-length standing, turned to face D’Aubon; National Archives (COPY 1/428/470).

Photograph by unidentified photographer, hand-tinted card, signed by sitter, whole-length standing to right, in very similar pose to (a) and (b) above but with arms folded and right hand to chin; not listed in the collections database but can be viewed as V&A image no. 2006AH6151. The solo pose does not accord with any of the images registered by Alexander Corbett/Alfred Ellis.

Babes in the Wood (as ‘Reggie’)

Photographs

1897
Photograph by unidentified photographer, whole-length standing, profile to right, Herbert Campbell in female dress standing to right. Repr. Brandreth 1977, pl.7b, where role and date provided

reg. 1898
Photographs by Alexander Corbett for Alfred Ellis, nine poses reg. for copyright 1898 Jan. 29:
(a) cabinet card, whole-length seated, to front, with Herbert Campbell to right, ‘full length figures … in “Babes in the Wood”’; National Archives (COPY 1/434/365).
(b) cabinet card, whole-length standing, pointing to Campbell on right; National Archives (COPY 1/434/354).
(c) cabinet card, whole-length standing, holding hands with Campbell; National Archives (COPY 1/434/355).
(d) cabinet card, whole-length standing, laughing, Campbell to right; National Archives (COPY 1/434/366).
(e) half-plate, whole-length standing, holding doll with Campbell; National Archives (COPY 1/434/367).
(f) cabinet card, whole-length standing, with Campbell; National Archives (COPY 1/434/353).
(g) cabinet card, whole-length standing to front, umbrella in right hand; National Archives (COPY 1/433/357).
(h) whole-length standing, half-profile, ‘holding rat in right hand’; National Archives (COPY 1/434/358); print, showing sitter grinning, wearing dark costume with lace collar and cuffs, standing on left leg, right leg raised, right arm extended holding toy rat, Granger Historical Picture Archive 0066450.
(j) full plate, whole-length standing, to front, hands in pockets; National Archives (COPY 1/434/369).
Poses (g)–(j) are apparently in costume but not indexed as Babes in the Wood.

Bluebeard (as ‘Sister Anne’)
Opened at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, Dec. 1901.

c.1901
Painted metal inkwell with glass reservoir by unidentified maker, half-length, behind open book with facsimile signature; V&A, London, S.14-2001. Exh. Ta-Ra-Ra-Boom-Der-Ay, Bodleian L., Oxford, 2005. Mass-produced souvenir item.

Photographs and film

before 1899
Photograph by William Davey, whole-length standing, to front, wearing check dress and apron. Repr. Wood 1905, facing p.80, captioned ‘A typical Leno Lady’.

c.1900
Photograph by unidentified photographer, whole-length seated, playing large harp, wearing female dress. Postcard, publ. Raphael Tuck & Sons, Artistes in their Dressing Rooms series, no.5072; print NPG Ax160246, inscr. ‘A Souvenir. L.R.C.’

See NPG Portrait Set ‘Patrick O’Connor Collection: Music Hall, Theatre and Film Stars 1890s–1940s’.

1901–2
Photographs by William Davey, two known poses:
(a) whole-length standing, to front, wearing dress with large check and apron, reg. for copyright 1902 Jan. 9: National Archives (COPY 1/454/42). Repr. Graphic, 5 Nov. 1904, p.599, captioned ‘As Sister Anne’; and Wood 1905, facing p.80, captioned ‘A Typical Leno Lady’.

Postcard, publ. Rotary Photographic Co. Ltd, no.139C; seen on Flickr 2016.

Another postcard, publ. Rotophot, no.8084, half-length detail.

(b) half-length, to front, smiling, wearing dress with large check pattern but low neck and wig with top-knot. Repr. Graphic, 5 Nov. 1904, p.599; Wood 1905, facing p.120, captioned ‘Sister Anne’; and Anthony 2010, p.189, pl.37, captioned ‘Sister Anne 1901’.

Photograph by unidentified photographer, whole-length seated, playing harp, wearing female costume. Repr. Brandreth 1977, pl.8b, captioned ‘Dan and his harp in the dressing room during the run of Bluebeard’.

1902
Film by Warwick Trading Co., 1 minute, released Mar. 1902, BFI identifier 1830.

Burlesque Attack on a Settler’s Cabin (unidentified role)

Film

1900
Film by Warwick Trading Co., 1 minute, released Aug. 1900, BFI identifier 148367.

Burlesque Fox Hunt (unidentified role)

Film

1900
Film by Warwick Trading Co., 1 minute, released Aug. 1900, BFI identifier 148368.

Cinderella (as ‘the Baroness’)
Played at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, Christmas 1895.

publ. 1896
Design by A.S. Boyd, signed, whole-length, profile to left, scowling, on far right of group; untraced. Repr. Graphic, 4 Jan. 1896, p.15, captioned ‘“Cinderella” The Pantomime at Drury Lane Theatre’.

Photographs

1895
Photographs by unidentified photographers:
(a) whole-length standing, to front, left hand holding skirt, right hand with closed umbrella. Repr. Brandreth 1977, pl.5.
(b) whole-length standing, looking to right over shoulder, holding furled umbrella, back to back with Herbert Campbell to right. Repr. Anthony 2010, p.135, pl.23.

c.1895–6
Photograph by unidentified photographer, whole-length standing, to front, holding large umbrella in right hand, left hand holding out skirt of elaborate female costume; Getty Images 3321205.

Dan Leno and Herbert Campbell Edit the ‘Sun’ (unidentified role)

1902
Caricature design by Tom Browne, signed and titled ‘Editing “The Sun”’, whole-length, to left, seated at desk swathed in ticker-tape, pencil in mouth, right hand waving large scissors, burly figure of printer in background, with speech inscr. ‘Hurry up Danny dear / Machines waiting’. Repr. unidentified periodical; and Wood 1905, facing p.216.

undated
Caricature design by unidentified artist, whole-length seated at desk, in chaotic room including another male figure reading a comic and a cat sitting on a broomstick; untraced. Known from photograph in Roy Waters Theatre Coll., RHUL, RW 7/4/2/19.

Photographs and film

1902
Film by British Mutoscope & Biograph Co., Dan Leno and Herbert Campbell Edit the ‘Sun’, ½ minute, directed by William Dickson, released Apr. 1902, BFI identifier 148782.

Possible film stills by British Mutoscope & Biograph Co., from Dan Leno and Herbert Campbell Edit the ‘Sun’, two known poses:
(a) whole-length standing behind desk, dropping sheets of paper, Herbert Campbell seated laughing to right. Repr. Wood 1905, facing p.220, captioned ‘The Editor and the Sub’.
(b) half-length seated behind table strewn with sheets, Campbell seated to left. Repr. Brandreth 1977, pl.14a, captioned ‘Dan and Herbert Campbell edit The Sun for 1 April 1902’.

Dick Whittington (as ‘Idle Jack’)

Photographs

1894
Photographs by unidentified photographer, wearing oversize checked jacket and chessboard-patterned trousers, two known poses:
(a) whole-length standing, to right, looking to camera, left hand on cane, right hand holding grey top hat. Postcard publ. Rapid Photo Co.; print NPG Ax160025.

See NPG Portrait Set ‘Patrick O’Connor Collection: Music Hall, Theatre and Film Stars 1890s–1940s’.

(b) whole-length standing, to front, wearing top hat, right hand on cane, left hand on hip. Cigarette card publ. Ogden’s, Guinea Gold series; copy NPG x193113. Repr. Brandreth 1977, pl.7a.

See NPG Portrait Set ‘Ogden’s “Guinea Gold” cigarette cards, published circa 1894–1907’.

The Forty Thieves (as ‘Captain Abdullah’)
Opened at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, 26 Dec. 1898.

Self-portrait

c.1898–9
Ink sketch, inscr. ‘I am the Captain of the 40’ and ‘Yours truly / Dan Leno’, head, wearing tall conical hat; V&A, London, S.205-2008.

Paintings, drawings, sculptures and prints

1898
Ink and blue crayon by Ferguson Scotson-Clark, inscr. ‘Mr Dan Leno as “The Captain of the Forty Thieves”’, whole-length standing, to front, wearing conical hat, oriental costume and shoes, right hand holding scimitar; V&A, London, S.204-2008.

Designs by Oliver Paque, ‘Boxing Day at the Theatres “The Forty Thieves” at Drury Lane’, signed, in motley costume with conical hat; untraced. Three known sketches:
(a) whole-length standing, profile to right, legs akimbo, left hand outstretched to Herbert Campbell on right, captioned with sitters’ names; seen on Flickr 2016.
(b) whole-length, to front, seated on pantomime horse, right arm gesturing.
Poses (a) and (b) repr. Daily Graphic, 27 Dec. 1898, p.1, captioned ‘Mr Dan Leno Abdallah’ [sic].
(c) whole-length, in crowd scene with other actors and pantomime horse. Repr. Graphic, 31 Dec. 1898.

Ink and wash design by Paul Frenzeny, ‘The Pantomime of “The Forty Thieves”’, signed, whole-length, second from left in group of four with pantomime horse; untraced. Repr. ILN, 31 Dec. 1898, p.981, captioned ‘Some of the leading characters’.

?Watercolour drawing by unidentified artist, whole-length to front, wearing burlesque oriental costume, right arm extended holding long sword; untraced. Repr. Leno 1899, p.18, captioned ‘Captain of the Forty Thieves / Drury Lane Theatre 1898–99’. Possibly adapted from Alexander Corbett photograph reg. 1899 below, pose (e) .

Photographs

1899
Photographs by Alexander Corbett for Alfred Ellis, five known poses, of which four reg. for copyright 1899 Jan. 17:
(a) in group of three males, one on left holding goose in right hand; National Archives (COPY 1/439/67(7)).
(b) whole-length standing, holding tambourine, with Herbert Campbell; National Archives (COPY 1/439/67(8)).
(c) whole-length standing, with Campbell; National Archives (COPY 1/439/67(9)). Possibly repr. Brandreth 1977, pl.7c, which shows Leno whole-length, profile to right, wearing tall conical hat, Campbell to right.
(d) three-quarter-length standing, with Campbell seated; National Archives (COPY 1/439/67(16)).
(e) whole-length standing, to front, wearing conical hat with feather, right arm raised holding short sword. Repr. Wood 1905, facing p.128, where credited to Ellis but not apparently among those registered.

Hamlet (burlesque) (as ‘Hamlet’)

c.1898
Design by Sidney Herbert Sime, signed lower right, inscr. ‘Dan Leno as Hamlet / Alas! Poor Yorick’, whole-length standing, wearing long black cloak and hat with tall feather, holding rat by tail in right hand instead of Yorick’s skull; untraced. Repr. Leno 1899, p.90, captioned in index ‘Hamlet’.

Hop o’ My Thumb (as ‘Daddie Thumb’)

Photographs

1892
Photographs by Edward Sharp, two known poses:
(a) inscr. ‘Daddie Thumb / Drury Lane Pantomime / 1891 / yours truly / Dan Leno’, head-and-shoulders vignette, arms crossed, clown face. Repr. Leno 1899, p.51. Despite inscr., this production is listed as being performed in 1892.
(b) whole-length vignette standing, left hand on hip, right hand gesturing downwards, wearing checked shirt and ragged coat and trousers. Repr. Wood 1905, p.30, captioned ‘“Daddy Thumb”’.

Humpty Dumpty (as ‘Queen of Hearts’)

1891
Caricature design by Phil May, signed and dated, whole-length standing, profile to left, hands clasped at waist, with other actors in pantomime roles; untraced. Repr. ILN, 9 Jan. 1892, p.37, captioned ‘The Pantomime at Drury Lane / drawn by Phil May’; and Anthony 2010, p.114, pl.17.

Jack and the Beanstalk (as ‘Dame Durden’/‘Dame Trot’)
Played at Surrey Theatre, Southwark, Dec. 1886; new production Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, Dec. 1899.

1887
Portrait chargé by Alfred Bryan, full-length dancing, head turned to right, wearing female dress and ballet shoes; untraced. Repr. Entr’Acte, 15 Jan. 1887, p.8, captioned ‘Mr Dan Leno / as Dame Durden in Surrey Pantomime’; page repr. Anthony 2010, p.72, pl.6.

Photographs

1899
Photograph probably by William Davey, whole-length, wearing elaborate female gown, with shawl or train on the floor to right. Postcard, publ. Rotophot Postcard 1902; prints colls NPG Ax160020; and Royal Theatrical Fund, on loan 2016 to Grand Order of Water Rats. Repr. Graphic, 5 Nov. 1904, p.599, captioned ‘As Dame Trot in Jack & the Beanstalk’ and credited to ‘Langfier and W. Davey’.

See NPG Portrait Set ‘Patrick O’Connor Collection: Music Hall, Theatre and Film Stars 1890s–1940s’.

Photograph by unidentified photographer, head-and-shoulders, to front, smiling, wearing female wig. Postcard (no further details), with facsimile inscr. ‘Yours truly/ Dan Leno’; print NPG x20008.

Photograph by unidentified photographer (possibly William Davey), whole-length, rear view, wearing bonnet, shawl and checked skirt, standing between Johnny Danvers (in Scottish costume) on left and Herbert Campbell (in 18th-century costume) on right. Postcard, publ. Rotophot; print NPG Ax160022. Repr. Graphic, 5 Nov. 1904, p.599, captioned with all names and ‘In Jack and the Beanstalk’, and credited to ‘Langfier and W. Davey’; and Anthony 2010, p.200, pl.40, captioned ‘Johnny, Dan and Herbert take their leave’.

See NPG Portrait Set ‘Patrick O’Connor Collection: Music Hall, Theatre and Film Stars 1890s–1940s’.

The Jap (monologue) (as ‘Father’)
First performed 1895.

publ. 1899
Design by unidentified artist, whole-length standing, to front, wearing clown’s black hat, oriental tunic, sword in left hand; untraced. Repr. Leno 1899, p.77, captioned ‘A Chap Uneasy (Japanesy)’.

The Midnight March (unidentified role)

1893
Design by Harry G. Banks, signed, whole-length standing on stool, to front, wearing top hat and dark coat, waving rolled umbrella in right hand, lamppost to right; untraced. Repr. on cover of sheet music publ. Charles Sheard & Co. The comic song, written and composed by Fred Gilbert, was performed by Leno during the pantomime at Drury Lane, Christmas 1893.

Mother Goose (as ‘Mother Goose’)

Self-portrait

1903
Watercolour, signed and inscr. ‘Yours Truly Mother Goose Dan Leno June 7th / 60 years of Age time changing 6 minutes to 16 years of age’, figure with two heads, one as old woman, one as ‘blonde and female’; untraced. Ref. Radcliffe 2010, p.129, citing an unpublished undated catalogue by Peter Wood, ‘An Important Collection of Original Watercolours Painted by Dan Leno’. Leno’s caption refers to speed of costume and make-up change.

Paintings, drawings, sculptures and prints

1902
Designs by Reginald Cleaver, signed and dated, two known poses:
(a) inscr. ‘Mother Goose M.F.H / Dan Leno’, whole-length, profile to left wearing lady’s riding costume, seated on pantomime horse; untraced.
(b) inscr. ‘The Flying Machine’, half-length, profile to right, in female day-dress and hat, left hand extended, seated in airship with Herbert Campbell to right; untraced.

Both repr. ILN, 3 Jan. 1903, p.21, page captioned ‘The Drury Lane Pantomime’.

Pencil drawing by Phil May, inscr. ‘Dan / LENO / “Mother /Goose”’, whole-length standing, to front, wearing apron and shawl, left arm down holding bonnet; Garrick Club, London, G1148.

Design by Tom Browne, whole-length running, to left, wearing apron and shawl, right arm around pantomime goose; untraced. Repr. Sketch, 1903 supplement ‘The Return of Dan Leno’, captioned ‘Dan Leno as “Mother Goose” in the Drury Lane pantomime Christmas 1902’; and Wood 1905, facing p.134, captioned ‘The Good Old original Mother Goose’ and credited to Sketch.

Pen and ink design by Bert F. Ashby, initialled and dated 1903, whole-length walking, beside oversized goose; Roy Waters Theatre Coll., RHUL, RW 7/2/1/46, where artist identified.

Design by John Hassall, signed lower left, whole-length, to front, seated on horseback, both arms raised triumphantly, muzzled hounds below; untraced. Repr. Sketch, 1903 supplement ‘The Return of Dan Leno’, captioned ‘“Mother Goose goes A-Hunting” / from the drawing by John Hassall’; and Wood 1905, facing p.144, captioned ‘Mother Goose Goes to the Hunt’.

Photographs

1903
Photographs by Bassano Ltd, four known poses:
(a) whole-length standing, to front, wearing shawl and apron, holding large bonnet in right hand. Repr. Radcliffe 2010, p.128, fig.7.3c.

Postcard, publ. Rotary Photographic Co. Ltd; print, inscr. ‘Jan 1st 1904 J.M.’, NPG Ax160023.

See NPG Portrait Set ‘Patrick O’Connor Collection: Music Hall, Theatre and Film Stars 1890s–1940s’.

(b) whole-length standing, to front, wearing hat, shawl and apron. Repr. Tatler, 21 Jan. 1903, unknown p. no. (see MEPL, London, 11052363); Anthony 2010, p.188, pl.36 (half-length detail); and Radcliffe 2010, p.128, fig.7.3a.
(c) whole-length, to front, wearing flowered hat, lace jabot and sprigged dress, a variant of Davey pose (d) below. Repr. Tatler, 21 Jan. 1903, unknown p. no. (see MEPL, London, 11052358), where described as ‘dressed in the extravagant gown which she adopts when she comes into her fortune’; and Radcliffe 2010, p.128, fig.7.3d.

Postcard, publ. Rotary Photographic Co. Ltd, captioned ‘Mother Goose Act II’; print, inscr. ‘I hope you will admire my new summer costume’, NPG Ax160021.

See NPG Portrait Set ‘Patrick O’Connor Collection: Music Hall, Theatre and Film Stars 1890s–1940s’.

(d) whole-length, to front, curtseying, wearing shawl and apron over dark dress. Repr. Radcliffe 2010, p.128, fig.7.3b.

All four images are credited to Bassano in Radcliffe 2010 and captioned ‘These pictures show Mother Goose in her homely dress and then in the extravagant gowns which she adopts when she comes into her fortune’.

1903
Photographs by William Davey, five known poses, of which three reg. for copyright 1903 May 21:
(a) bust-length, curl over right shoulder; National Archives (COPY 1/461/419). Repr. Graphic, 5 Nov. 1904, p.599, captioned ‘As heroine in Mother Goose’.
(b) seated, left hand on side of seat, right hand holding fan; National Archives (COPY 1/461/420); print Getty Images 141166528.
(c) whole-length standing, looking over right shoulder, holding fan in right hand; National Archives (COPY 1/461/421). Repr. Wood 1905, facing p.136, captioned ‘The Wealthy Mother Goose’.
(d) half-length, to front, with face of young woman, wearing large-brimmed flowered hat and sprigged dress. Repr. Graphic, 5 Nov. 1904, p.599, captioned ‘As transformed heroine in Mother Goose’; and Wood 1905, facing p.138, captioned ‘The Beautiful Mother Goose’.
(e) half-length, to left, head towards camera, left hand raised in admonition. Repr. Wood 1905, facing p.156, ‘A Lady of the Old School’, credited to Davey but not apparently among those registered.

publ. 1904
Photograph by unidentified photographer, head-and-shoulders, to front, smiling, wearing female wig, hat with flowers and patterned dress, possibly as Mother Goose. Repr. Sketch, 6 June 1904, supplement p.6; see MEPL, London, 10021736.

My Old Man (song)

1888
Design by unidentified artist, head-and-shoulders, in costume and coiffure as ugly pantomime dame, untraced. Repr. on cover of sheet music ‘My Old Man’, publ. Francis Brothers & Day, 1888; cover repr. Anthony 2010, p.83, pl.9.

Nevermore (song)

Photographs

undated
Photographs by Edward Sharp, two known poses:
(a) whole-length, to front, wearing oversize coat and battered hat, carrying sacks and possibly gardening tools. Repr. Wood 1905, facing p.176, captioned ‘In the song “Nevermore”’.
(b) whole-length standing, to front, wearing battered top hat and baggy suit, carrying rolled umbrella. Repr. Brandreth 1977, pl.10b, captioned ‘Nevermore’.

Orlando Dando the Volunteer (unidentified role)
Played at Grand Theatre, Fulham, Aug. 1898.

1898
Designs by unidentified artist, half-length, to front, wearing dark cowled cloak, three poses in different attitudes; untraced. Repr. as poster (no further details); poster repr. Anthony 2010, p.152, pl.26.

Chromolithograph by John Hassall, whole-length, dressed as female hairdresser, standing behind seated customer, holding hairbrush and tress of hair; prints colls Mabey Coll., British Council, M 313, where titled ‘Dan Leno in Orlando Dando the Volunteer’; and V&A, London, E.1370-1935. Repr. as poster; exh. British Posters 1890–1980, various overseas venues 1978–92.

Photographs

c.1898
Photograph by Art Photo Co., three-quarter-length, to front, smiling, hands in pockets, with large top-knot or quiff. Repr. Wood 1905, facing p.198, captioned ‘Orlando Dando’, where credited to Art Photo Co.

Our Nineteenth Century Stores (song, as ‘Shopkeeper’)

publ. 1897
Design attributed to Sidney Kent, whole-length, holding plucked chicken by neck in front of grocery store window; untraced. Chromolithograph by Harry G. Banks repr. on cover of sheet music ‘Our Stores Ltd’, publ. Charles Sheard & Co.; copies V&A, London, S.3287-2013 and S.51:2-1989, where artist given as Kent. Date from listing of first performance of song.

c.1897–8
Design by Sidney Herbert Sime, signed and inscr. ‘Dan Leno’, whole-length, to front, wearing fringed apron, left arm extended holding scrawny poultry carcass; untraced. Repr. Leno 1899. p.40, captioned ‘The Proprietor of the 19th Century Store’.

The Rats (unidentified role)

Film

1900
Film by Warwick Trading Co., 5 minutes, released July 1900, BFI identifier 152169.

Robinson Crusoe (as ‘Dame’)
Played at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, 1894.

1894
Design by unidentified artist, head-and-shoulders, to front, grinning, wearing frilled collar and large rose in hair; untraced. Repr. on cover of sheet music ‘My Sweet Face’, publ. Charles Sheard & Co.; cover repr. Anthony p.132, pl.22, where dated.

Wait Till I’m His Father (unidentified role)

Photographs

publ. 1902
Photograph by unidentified photographer, whole-length, to front, gesturing with both hands, wearing battered top hat, cane lying on floor. Repr. Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, 4 Jan. 1902, unknown p. no.; see MEPL, London, 11052361, where captioned as ‘one of his characters from the sketch: Wait Till I’m His Father’.

The Wife’s Gone out of Town (song)

Photographs

publ. 1902
Photograph by unidentified photographer, whole-length standing, to front, mouth open, hands clasped, wearing top hat and long overcoat. Repr. Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, 4 Jan. 1902, unknown p. no.; see MEPL, London, 11052362, where captioned ‘The Wife’s Gone out of Town!’

Solo act: beefeater
First performed 1898; recorded 1901.

1898–9
Design by G. Ferguson Scotson-Clark, initialled, whole-length, to front, with whiskers, in costume, right arm extended holding stave. Coloured lithograph publ. Scotson-Clark 1899; see MEPL, London, 10088102, where captioned ‘Dan Leno/Red Yeoman’. Repr. Brandreth 1977, pl.11b.

Solo act: clown

undated
Design by Leonard Raven-Hill, signed and inscr. ‘Dan Leno’, whole-length standing, to left, wearing top hat and long coat, right hand holding rolled umbrella horizontally, left hand holding very large bag; untraced. Repr. Music Hall Studies, no.6, Winter 2010/11.

Photographs

c.1895–6
Photograph by Langfier Ltd, whole-length standing, to front, wearing top hat and overcoat over strangely patterned jumpsuit and oversize shoes. Postcard (no further details); print NPG Ax160243, where dated ‘mid 1890s’.

See NPG Portrait Set ‘Patrick O’Connor Collection: Music Hall, Theatre and Film Stars 1890s–1940s’.

Another postcard, publ. Rotary Photographic Co. Ltd, half-length detail; print NPG x160524.

undated
Photograph by unidentified photographer, whole-length, to front, left hand extended, right hand on hip, wearing shirt with large diamond pattern, long coat and baggy trousers, as clown/‘little guy’; Royal Theatrical Fund, on loan 2016 to Grand Order of Water Rats.

For more images of Leno as ‘little guy’ see below, ‘In stage character, Solo act: “little guy”’.

Solo act: Detective Camera

publ. 1892
Design by Harry G. Banks, signed, whole-length, to front, wearing tall top hat and overcoat with concealed camera, holding sock in right hand and image of couple in left hand; untraced. Repr. on cover of sheet music ‘Detective Camera’, publ. Charles Sheard & Co. The song, with words by James Newland and music by George Le Brun, was first issued in 1892.

Photographs

1892
Photograph by E[dward?] Sharp, whole-length standing, to front, with moustache, wearing top hat and long coat, holding sheets by tripod and camera. Repr. Leno 1899, p.123, captioned ‘I Take Photographs’.

Solo act: Dr McFabback

1893
Design by Harry G. Banks, whole-length standing, to front, with whiskers, wearing pale top hat and tartan trousers; untraced. Repr. on cover of sheet music ‘The Doctor’, publ. Charles Sheard & Co.

Solo act: fireman

undated
Pen and ink sketch by Phil May, whole-length standing, turned slightly to right, wearing fireman’s costume, pointing with right hand, left hand holding hose; BM, London, 1920,0612.1.

Solo act: grass widower

1891
Design by Harry G. Banks, whole-length standing, to front, hands clasped, wearing top hat and raincoat; untraced. Repr. on cover of sheet music ‘The Grass Widower or She’s Going out of Town’, publ. Charles Sheard & Co.; cover repr. Anthony 2010, p.143, pl.25, where dated.

Solo act: Household Cavalryman

Photographs

c.1900
Photograph by Hana Studios Ltd, whole-length standing, to left, wearing Household Cavalry uniform, including plumed helmet and sword, Herbert Campbell in female costume as sportswoman on left. Postcard, publ. Rotary Photographic Co. Ltd; print NPG Ax160249.

See NPG Portrait Set ‘Patrick O’Connor Collection: Music Hall, Theatre and Film Stars 1890s–1940s’.

Photograph by unidentified photographer, in same costume as above image, whole-length standing, profile to right, knees bent, holding sword upright.

Solo act: jester

1901
Drawings by Phil May, in jester costume with royal arms on tabard, two known poses:
(a) signed and dated, inscr. ‘Dan Leno / The King’s Jester’, whole-length to left; untraced; Sotheby’s, London, 8 Apr. 1975 (52).
(b) pen and ink, inscr. ‘Damn Leno The King’s Jester / to Kate Flynn from Phil May’, whole-length standing, looking down at jester’s stick in right hand, left hand on hip; V&A, London, S.201-2008.

c.1902
Design by Alexander ‘Alick’ P.F. Ritchie, signed, whole-length dancing, to front, wearing trademark battered top hat, waving umbrella; untraced. Coloured postcard, captioned ‘Dan Leno The King’s Jester’ (no further details); print seen on eBay 2016.

Solo act: lady psychologist

1904
Design by David Wilson, signed and dated, whole-length standing, to front, arms folded, large loops of hair over each ear, wearing long straight dress and long draped scarf, seven silhouette vignettes below, depicting Leno in his traditional clown garb, with battered hat and oversize shoes; untraced. Repr. Tatler, 27 Apr. 1904, p.143, main caption ‘The Return of Mr Dan Leno to the Halls’, sub-caption ‘After a long absence Mr Dan Leno has made his re-entry in the halls, beginning with the Pavilion, where he is singing a capital song about the lady psychologist as represented in this picture’.

Solo act: ‘little guy’

publ. 1896
Pen and ink caricature by Edward Tennyson Reed, initialled and inscr., whole-length to front, dancing, dressed as dishevelled tramp or clown, holding battered umbrella, as crest for caricature coat of arms, with costermonger and ‘Burlington Bertie’ as supporters; BM, London, 1967,1014.90. Exh. FAS, July 1899 (9); repr. Punch, 12 Dec. 1896, p 286, in series entitled ‘Ready-made coats (of-arms); or, giving ’em fits’.

In an introductory essay to the FAS exh. cat. Owen Seaman explains that by 1899 Reed had produced three series of his ready-made coats of arms, utilizing ‘the artificial laws and technical terminology of Heraldry for his own most cunning devices’.

c.1902
Design by David Wilson, signed, whole-length standing, to front, dressed shabbily with outsize shoes, holding battered umbrella; untraced. Postcard, publ. Broom, no.1936; print Alamy A268H9.

Photographs

c.1895–6
Photograph by Regent Portrait Co., whole-length standing, to front, wearing top hat and oversize suit, left hand holding rolled umbrella, right hand fingers spread. Repr. Sketch, 23 Dec. 1896, unknown p. no.; see MEPL, London, 10511690, captioned ‘British music hall comedian dressed as one of his Cockney characters’.

early 1900s
Photograph by unidentified photographer, half-length to front, grinning, hands behind back, wearing battered top hat, large loose-knotted pale tie and buttonhole; Granger Historical Picture Archive 0066451.

See above, ‘In stage character, Solo act: clown, Photographs, undated’, for image showing Leno as either clown or ‘little guy’.

Solo act: Mrs Kelly
One of Leno’s best-known solo characters.

before 1899
Caricature drawing by Alfred Bryan, initialled lower left, whole-length running, to right, large head turned to front on smaller body, in female costume; untraced. Repr. Leno 1899, p.70, captioned ‘Mrs Kelly Frivols’; and Anthony 2010, p.179, pl.33.

Photographs

before 1899
Photograph by Blampey Bros, Islington, London, whole-length standing, to front, hands clasped, wearing female costume with apron. Repr. Sketch, 23 Dec. 1903, supplement, unknown p. no.; see MEPL, London, 11052359.

Photograph by unidentified photographer, whole-length standing, to front, wearing straw hat, tartan shawl and skirt, with apron, ?as Mrs Kelly; Royal Theatrical Fund, on loan 2016 to Grand Order of Water Rats. Repr. Old UK Photos.

Solo act: native American

Photographs

undated
Photograph by Fradelle & Young, whole-length, to left, looking to camera, standing by stage tent to left, wearing wig with long braids, with ‘papoose’ on back. Repr. Wood 1905, facing p.166, captioned ‘An Indian Squaw’.

Solo act: police constable

publ. 1891
Pen and ink drawing by Alfred Bryan, initialled, whole-length standing, half-profile to left, left hand on hip, wearing police uniform, Lionel Brough as second police constable standing on left; untraced. Repr. Entr’Acte, 14 Feb. 1891, p.8, captioned ‘Fancy-Dress Ball / Policeman Lionel Brough to Comrade – Are you on duty in “Elijah”? / Comrade Dan Leno – No, I’ve never tried Oratorio’.

Solo act: railway guard

Photographs

1890
Photograph by Edward Sharp, whole-length standing, to front, grinning, in uniform with cap and whistle, left hand raised, right hand down holding lantern. Repr. Leno 1901, p.57 (see Wikipedia; Wood 1905, facing p.105; and Brandreth 1977, pl.10a.

Solo act: recruiting sergeant
First performed 1893.

1893
Design by Harry G. Banks, whole-length standing, to front, wearing military uniform and cap, holding swagger stick; untraced. Repr. on cover of sheet music ‘The Recruiting Sergeant’, publ. Charles Sheard & Co.; cover repr. Anthony 2010, p.123, pl.20.

Solo act: Scottish soldier

Photographs

undated
Photograph by unidentified photographer, whole-length standing, to front, wearing tartan bonnet with feather, large sporran, kilt and pale puttees, holding long musket; Royal Theatrical Fund, on loan 2016 to Grand Order of Water Rats.

Solo act: Sergeant Smirks

1893
Caricature design by A[lfred] B[ryan], signed, whole-length, to front, wearing military cap and jacket, right hand holding swagger stick; untraced. Repr. Entr’Acte, 22 Apr. 1893, captioned ‘Mr Dan Leno / With soldiers like this to fall back upon, England will never be in Danger’; see Getty Images 2629375.

Solo act: shop-walker
First performed 1891. Images dated by reference to this performance, but some may be later.

1891
Designs by unidentified artist, five poses wearing frock coat and striped trousers; untraced. Repr. on cover of sheet music ‘The Shop-Walker’, publ. Charles Sheard & Co.; cover repr. Brandreth 1977, pl.9; and Anthony 2010, p.104, pl.13, where dated.

Photographs

1891
Photographs by unidentified photographer, whole-length, with exaggerated waxed moustache, wearing oversize tailcoat, three known poses:
(a) standing, to right, behind cane-seated chair. Repr Leno 1901, p.85; see Wikipedia.
(b) standing, to left of different chair. Repr. Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic News, 4 Jan. 1902; see MEPL, London, 11052360.
(c) head-and-shoulders, looking to left. Repr. Graphic, 5 Nov. 1904, p.599, captioned ‘In his sketch as a shopwalker’ and credited to ‘Langfier and W. Davey’.

Photographs by London Stereoscopic & Photographic Co., two known poses:
(a) whole-length, profile to right, from back, standing on step-ladder, holding roll of cloth aloft, studio set window to right; Getty Images 3368108.
(b) whole-length, to front, looking left, right arm gesturing towards gilt chair, studio set window to right; Getty Images 587151337.

Solo act: swimming instructor

Photographs

1898
Photograph by unidentified photographer, whole-length standing, to front, smiling, wearing wide-striped swimsuit, overcoat and dark hat, towel draped over right arm. Repr. Anthony 2010, p.107, pl.14, where dated.

Solo act: troubadour

Photographs

early 1900s
Photograph by Alfred Ellis & Walery, whole-length standing, to front, wearing large hat, rustic costume and boots, playing large lute. Postcard, publ. J. Beagles & Co.; print NPG Ax160242, inscr. in Morse code WILL U B / MY UALENTINE (sic).

See NPG Portrait Set ‘Patrick O’Connor Collection: Music Hall, Theatre and Film Stars 1890s–1940s’.

undated
Photograph by unidentified photographer, whole-length standing, to front, wearing troubadour-style costume, holding outsize lute. Repr. Brandreth 1977, pl.11a, captioned ‘The Bandit’.

Solo act: waiter

Photographs

c.1891
Photograph by unidentified photographer, whole-length standing, to left, expectant expression, right hand extended, left hand holding towel. Repr. Leno 1899, p.113 (‘from a photo’), captioned ‘Myself being tipped / (Oh, the tippy of it!)’. Date from Wikipedia, ‘Songs, Sketches and Monologues of Dan Leno’, where first performance of song ‘The Waiter’ listed.

In various roles

publ. 1904
Designs by David Wilson, signed ‘Dan Leno / at the London Pavilion’, three known poses: (a) as street urchin selling fish; (b) as ‘Widow with memories of Friday Nights’; (c) as cellist at ‘The Brewers Day Picnic Party’; untraced. Repr. Anthony 2010, p.196, pl.39.

Photographs

The Roy Waters Theatre Coll., RHUL, RW 14/1/12, contains 18 postcards showing Leno photographed in various costumes.

undated
Photographs by Langfier Ltd, in historical costumes, three known poses:
(a) whole-length standing, looking to left, wearing 17th-century costume, as Charles I. Repr. Graphic, 5 Nov. 1904, p.599, captioned ‘As a cavalier at a Covent Garden Ball’; Wood 1905, facing p.190, captioned ‘Charles I’ and inscr. ‘to my old chum, Jack / Leno as Charles 1st’.
(b) whole-length standing, to front, wearing naval costume, right sleeve pinned to jacket, left hand holding tricorne hat, as Admiral Nelson, man in costume as Napoleon standing on right; Royal Theatrical Fund, on loan 2016 to Grand Order of Water Rats. Repr. Graphic, 5 Nov. 1904, p.599 (cropped to show only Leno), captioned ‘As Nelson at a Covent Garden ball’; and Wood 1905, facing p.188, where credited to Langfier.
(c) whole-length, to left, turned to camera, wearing medieval costume with boots and sword, as Richard III. Repr. Wood 1905, facing p.192, inscr. ‘to my old Chum Jack / Leno as Richard III’, where credited to Langfier.

Unidentified part or play

1894–5
Design by Charles Dana Gibson, ‘Dan Leno on stage’, whole-length, to left, hands in pockets, wearing top hat and long coat; untraced. Repr. Anthony 2010, p.118, pl.19, where dated to 1895.

publ. 1904
Design by Phil May, signed, whole-length, profile to left, dancing jig or Scottish dance, left hand in trouser pocket, right arm raised, wearing large bonnet with pom-pom, checked waistcoat, pale trousers and spats; untraced. Repr. May [1904], unknown p. no.; see MEPL, London, 10803969, dated ‘c.1892’.

reg. 1904
Design by Stanley Cock, signed, whole-length, profile to left, striding out, wearing black bonnet and shawl, apron and skirt with large check, as pantomime dame; reg. for copyright 1904: National Archives (COPY 1/212(ii) (171e)).

undated
Design by unidentified artist, ‘gesturing towards a smiling moon’, captioned ‘One touch of Leno makes the whole world grin!’; untraced. Chromolithograph poster, publ. Culliford London; Roy Waters Theatre Coll., RHUL, RW/4/6/3.

Photographs

c.1900
Photograph by Reginald Haines, half-length, to front, looking up to left, head either bandaged or wearing pale turban, wearing tall collar, white shirt and tweed waistcoat with wide lapels. Postcard, publ. Rotary Photographic Co. Ltd; print NPG Ax160017.

See NPG Portrait Set ‘Patrick O’Connor Collection: Music Hall, Theatre and Film Stars 1890s–1940s’.

reg. 1902
Photograph by William Davey, head and bare shoulders, ‘as an athlete’; reg. for copyright 1902 July 17: National Archives (COPY 1/456/200).

reg. 1903
Cabinet-size photographs by Alexander Corbett for Alfred Ellis, six poses reg. for copyright 1903 July 7:
(a) whole-length standing, knees bent, carrying stringed instrument; National Archives (COPY 1/463/119(1)).
(b) whole-length ‘lying on ground with instrument on top of him’; National Archives (COPY 1/463/119(2)).
(c) head-and-shoulders, ‘full face in woman’s dress’; National Archives (COPY 1/463/119(3)).
(d) three-quarter-length, half-profile, ‘seated in chair in woman’s dress’; National Archives (COPY 1/463/119(4)).
(e) whole-length standing, to front, ‘holding handkerchief in woman’s dress’; National Archives (COPY 1/463/119(5)).
(f) whole-length standing, ‘nearly full face pointing finger to forehead’; National Archives (COPY 1/463/119(6)).

Photographs by Frank William Brookman, West Norwood, London, ‘Dan Leno & the Leopard’, two poses reg. for copyright 1903 Sept. 2: National Archives (COPY 1/465/31) (same ref. for both poses).

reg. 1904
Photographs by Eugene Fontaine, Folkestone, three poses reg. for copyright 1904 Nov. 2: National Archives (COPY 1/479/42) (same ref. for all poses):
(a) ‘hat on. No.1’.
(b) ‘hat on. No.2’.
(c) ‘hat held by left hand’.

Registered immediately after Leno’s death, these images must have been taken some years previously; the descriptions suggest they show him in the ‘little guy’ costume.

undated
Photograph by unidentified photographer, three-quarter-length standing, to right, looking down at letter[?], wearing morning dress and wig with top-knot, in unidentified pantomime costume; vignette image Royal Theatrical Fund, on loan 2016 to Grand Order of Water Rats.

Photographs by unidentified photographer, two known poses:
(a) whole-length standing, to front, wearing large hat and comic costume, left hand on hip, right hand holding pale gloves. Cigarette card, publ. Ogden’s, Guinea Gold series, no.443, captioned ‘Dan Leno. / One of our most popular Music Hall Favourites’; copy NPG x197023.
(b) whole-length standing, leaning forward, left hand down, holding hat, in same costume as (a), Herbert Campbell as Dame to right. Cigarette card, publ. Ogden’s, Guinea Gold series, captioned ‘Dan Leno & Herbert Campbell’; copy NPG x193114.

See NPG Portrait Set ‘Ogden’s “Guinea Gold” cigarette cards, published circa 1894–1907’.

Footnotes

1) Lucas 1912 locates the bust ‘in the entrance hall of Drury Lane Theatre’; in 2016 it was in store at the theatre.


Dr Jan Marsh