Wig, theatre costume wig

Light golden brown short wig of human hair attached to a cap of peach coloured net. The net contains small pieces of boning and elastic to assist with fit. The wig contains no designer or manufacturing marks.

Worn by W S Penley (1852-1912) as the Rev Robert Spalding in 'The Private Secretary' in 1884 at the Old Globe Theatre on Newcastle Street in London. The show was revived in 1900 at the Great Queen Street Theatre, also in London. Penley's performance as Spalding was said to be his most famous part after that of Lord Fancourt Babberley in Charley's Aunt.