Julian Eltinge in drag. Photographic postcard, 1907.

He wears a black dress and large hat with a flower decoration, and holds an umbrella. Julian Eltinge (born William Dalton, 1881?-1941), was perhaps the most successful American female impersonator of the twentieth century. By 1904 he was already appearing on Broadway, and by 1910 he was starring in a series of shows designed to display his acting and singing skills, which had long runs on Broadway, and which toured Europe. He appeared on film (notably with Rudolph Valentino) and continued a successful career in clubs and cabarets into the 1930s

The item catalogued was postally used in 1907: Eltinge had first appeared in Europe (London) in 1906, and had performed in a command performance for King Edward VII

[Berlin] : GG Co. Gerlach, [ca. 1907]

1 photographic postcard ; 13.5 x 8.5 cm

The American star 'Eltinge' Furthering lettering written in black on bottom recto Lettering printed in white on top recto

This work is untitled: the title has been supplied by the cataloguer.

Wellcome Collection 2044908i