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.