McMahon and King performing as blackface ministrels.

Date:
[between 1910 and 1919?]
Reference:
2044759i
Part of:
The James Gardiner Collection.
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Collection contents

Available online

view McMahon and King performing as blackface ministrels.

Contains: 2 images

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In copyright

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Credit

McMahon and King performing as blackface ministrels. In copyright. Source: Wellcome Collection.

About this work

Also known as

Previous title, replaced June 2022: McMahon and King, two actors made up as blackface minstrels, with King in drag. Photographic postcard, 191-.

Description

Please be aware that this item contains racist depictions that you may find upsetting or distressing.

Publication/Creation

[England?] : [publisher not identified], [between 1910 and 1919?]

Physical description

1 photographic postcard : b&w print ; 13.5 x 8.5 cm

Series

Contributors

Lettering

She ain't a bit like the other girls, this little girl o'mine. McMahon & King Lettering printed in black on bottom recto

Notes

The following description was provided by James Gardiner: "King looks over his shoulder, whilst McMahon in a top hat holds out his finger, pointing. Blackface minstrels (white actors with blacked-up faces) were a popular form of entertainment in vaudeville shows in the US from the middle of the nineteenth century. By the end of that century such "minstrel shows" were a staple of entertainment all over Europe, particularly in English seaside towns, where acts entertained on pier and beach the length and breadth of the country. However, black-face combined with drag was a rarity".
This work is untitled: the title has been supplied by the cataloguer.

Reference

Wellcome Collection 2044759i

Type/Technique

Languages

Subjects

Where to find it

  • Photograph album labelled ‘Drag'

    LocationStatusAccess
    Closed stores

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