Richard Berkeley Sutcliffe (1918 – 2007): An original vintage costume design for ‘Her Excellency’, circa 1949. Titled “Her Excellency – Act II Mary”. Featuring a female figure in a blue dress on washed pink paper.

The design is in watercolour, gouache, pencil and ink. Signed to bottom right in ink “Berkeley Sutcliffe”.

The costume design was created for the character of Mary (believed that played by Margaret McGrath). The design includes ink inscription relating to the fabric.

Dimensions 48.5cm x 32cm

The Artist

Richard Berkeley Sutcliffe (1918 – 1979) was a leading British mid 20^thcentury costume and stage designer, in particular for theatrical productions.

Alongside his work for stage and screen, Berkeley Sutcliffe was the Head Designer at Fortnum & Mason. His most famous design whilst working at Fortnum’s was that of the clock, which sits above the Piccadilly shop entrance. The clock, which is now a London landmark, was designed in 1961. The design depicts Messer’s William Fortnum and Hugh Mason appearing from pavilions to inspect their building.

Berkeley Sutcliffe’s work can be found in the collections of the Victoria &Albert Museum, London.

For a costume design from a similar period in Berkeley Sutcliffe’s career see https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O147333/costume-design-by-berkley-sutcliffe-costume-design-sutcliffe-berkeley/

Further works by the artist are included in our online store see: RICHARD BERKELEY SUTCLIFFE (1918 – 2007): An original vintage costume design for ‘Her Excellency’, circa 1949.

Dimensions: 48.5cm high x 32cm wide

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Condition Report: In overall good condition, pinholes to corners some handling creases and wear to edges