Presented by Veronica Isaac

This talk will explore the ways in which the actress Ellen Terry (1847-1928) used dress to fashion her identity, both on and off the stage. Drawing upon photographs, paintings, letters and surviving examples of Terry’s costumes it will look in detail at the actress’s involvement in the design and creation of her personal and theatrical dress, and highlight the significant role dress played in establishing Terry as an actress who understood the ‘art’ of theatre.

A specialist in Dress & Textile History, Veronica Issac has been working for the Department of Theatre & Performance since November of 2009. Alongside her work for the V&A and teaching at the University of Brighton she is currently studying part time for a PhD investigating the personal and theatrical dress of the actress Ellen Terry. This paper draws upon her research, which is being carried out under the Supervision of Professor Lou Taylor, University of Brighton, and in partnership with the Department of Theatre & Performance, V&A and the National Trust at Smallhythe Place.