A watercolour sketch of several actors in costume, grouped around an elaborate throne with blue-carpeted pedestal, red curtained back and a patterned red and gold canopy. On the throne, the king wears a long red robe with blue, ermine-lined cloak and a gold crown. To his left and at his feet are four boys wearing identical dark blue and white tunics, stockings and hats, with gold trim. Two bearded men in bishops’ robes and mitres, carrying crosiers, stand to the left of the image. On the right of the image, a man in chainmail and breastplate kneels, his helmet in one hand. The handwritten caption in the top right-hand corner reads: ‘Tableau from the last Scene in Richard 2d. Represents Bolingbroke as King Henry the 4th, the Prince of Wales, & 3 Younger Princes. The Archbishops of York & Canterbury - & Sir Pierce of Exton the assassinator of King Richard.’
Image: A watercolour sketch of several actors in costume, grouped around an elaborate throne with blue-carpeted pedestal, red curtained back and a patterned red and gold canopy. On the throne, the king wears a long red robe with blue, ermine-lined cloak and a gold crown. To his left and at his feet are four boys wearing identical dark blue and white tunics, stockings and hats, with gold trim. Two bearded men in bishops’ robes and mitres, carrying crosiers, stand to the left of the image. On the right of the image, a man in chainmail and breastplate kneels, his helmet in one hand. The handwritten caption in the top right-hand corner reads: ‘Tableau from the last Scene in Richard 2d. Represents Bolingbroke as King Henry the 4th, the Prince of Wales, & 3 Younger Princes. The Archbishops of York & Canterbury - & Sir Pierce of Exton the assassinator of King Richard.’

Thomas Grieve's surviving sketches show the care and attention devoted to this production of Richard II.

Costumes were inspired by images from illuminated manuscripts and grave effigies, and Charles Kean ruthlessly vetoed anything which did not meet his exacting standards of historical accuracy.

This design shows the costumes for the final scene of Richard II. Look closely at the blue and white outfits for Henry IV's children: the next objects will demonstrate how these designs were transformed into real costumes, and later into inspiration for royal fancy dress.

Related objects