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Acquisitions - two costume design illustrations by Billy (William) Chappell (1907-1994)

2023-09-15

William Chappell 1907-1994

The son of actors, William Chappell was born in Wolverhampton on 20 September 1907. His parents separated and his mother, Edith Blair-Staples, moved the family to Balham, South London c.1913, and became a fashion journalist. Chappell went on to Chelsea School of Art at the age of thirteen (1921); where he met Edward Burra, they soon became close and remained lifelong friends.

On leaving college in 1924, Chappell became committed to dance. He performed in and was given a crash course in classical ballet by Marie Rambert, whom he knew
through Frederick Ashton. Despite this late start he was to create a number of important roles. Throughout the 1930's, Chappell appeared in ballets produced by Rambert and Ninette de Valois's Vic-Wells company at Sadler's Wells (from 1934). He was also a talented painter and simultaneously began to make designs for the theatre which soon established his reputation as a distinguished stage designer.

Chappell edited two collections relating to his close friendship with Burra including the witty and fascinating ‘Well Dearie The Letters of Edward Burra (1985). Billy died in Rye on 1st January 1994.

We acquired these costume designs for our permanent collection so that they could be shown together with those already in the collection by Edward Burra.

The two pencil, ink and watercolour costume illustrations are signed, inscribed and dated 1948.

Both illustrations are from the production of "Sugar and Spice" shown at St Martin's Theatre, London from September 3rd until October 16th 1948.

'Mormon / Larry Drew' depicts the actor Larry Drew in mormon costume for the section 'The Mormon Who Couldn't Quit' by Hastings Mann. 'Child Wife / June Howard' depicts the actress June Howard in costume for the section 'Punch's Revenge' also by Hastings Mann.

Chappell provided the decor and costumes for the entire production.

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