In copyright
It is possible this item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You may be able to use this digital item under a copyright exception, otherwise you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s). These may be identified elsewhere in the catalogue record. Read more about copyright.
Read further guidance on copyright exceptions in the UK.
Credit
"Derkas ?", dressed in drag, on stage. Photographic postcard, 1928. In copyright. Source: Wellcome Collection.
"Derkas?" wears the towering feathered showgirl headdress pioneered by Gaby Deslys in the 1910s, and developed by Mistinguett in the Folies Bergères shows of the 1920s. Long afterwards It remained an integral part of costuming in spectacular revues, particularly in Paris and Las Vegas. The question mark following Derkas printed on the postcard suggests they perform with an androgynous gender expression. As this card is autographed and inscribed London 1928, it shows that there was sufficient interest in this form of entertainment in the 1920s for successful drag acts to be imported.
| Location | Status | Access | |
|---|---|---|---|
Closed stores |