Robert Colquhoun

Goneril (Costume Design for 'King Lear')

About this artwork

In 1953, Colquhoun was commissioned to design the costumes and sets for George Devine’s production of King Lear at Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon. Colquhoun’s spare, almost abstract set design, which contrasted with the vivid colour and rich fabrics of his costumes, received mixed reactions from the press. This costume sketch is for Goneril, Lear’s first-born daughter who is married to Albany. After she declares her undying love for her father, Lear gives her part of his kingdom. Privately, however, she disowns him as a fool. Colquhoun’s costumes seem to have used colour as an identifier of character – Goneril’s costumes all contain blue.

Updated before 2020

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Robert Colquhoun

Robert Colquhoun