Wig, costume wig

A three pointed black wig with its red-braid threaded plait behind, made especially for the clown Whimsical Walker and hired to him at the cost of one guinea per year for twenty years from the maker, Clarkson's of Wardour Street. WIlly Clarkson was in business as a major theatrical wig-maker and supplier of make-up since he took over the family business in 1878. It was begun by his father in 1833.

When Mrs. Walker and Dame Laura Knight sold the costume to the London Museum in 1935, they went especially to Clarkson's to try to buy the wig to complete the costume. Thinking they would be charged five or ten pounds, given the yearly cost, the ladies were very suprised that a disinterested clerk sold it for half a crown (two and a half shillings). Mr. Clarkson had died in 1934 and perhaps the change in management overlooked the value of the famous clown's wig.

Whimsical Walker (1851-1934) worked as a clown in both circus and pantomime. Born Thomas Walker, he first appeared in 1865 and subsequently worked in England and America. In 1886, he appeared by royal command before Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle.

The wig is made of black curled horsehair in three points, mounted on a skullcap of flesh-coloured cotton twill fabric, covered in white cotton twill giving the impression of a high forehead. The cap has been stiffened into a round shape and reinforced with tape inside at the back. There is a drawstring at the nape of the neck. A vertical line of inch wide red woollen twill tape runs down the centre back with a bow at top and bottom. Layers of white stage makeup remain on the forehead section.