Wilkie Collins (1824-89)
The Frozen deep, in three acts 1857
32.4 x 24.9 cm (book measurement (conservation)) | RCIN 1059158
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Manuscript, 81 leaves.
Wilkie Collins's play about Franklin's ill-fated 1845 expedition to find the Northwest Passage was performed before the Queen and Prince Albert on 4 July 1857 at a royal command performance at The Gallery of Illustration, Regent Street. Queen Victoria wrote in her journal that it was: 'most interesting, intensely dramatic, & most touching and moving ... The Play was admirably acted by Charles Dickens ...' As well as Charles Dickens, the cast included the author Wilkie Collins, Dickens's brother Alfred, and eldest daughter Marnie.
Inscribed on the title page: 'Privately acted before the Queen, at the Gallery of Illustration on Saturday evening, July 4th 1857'.
Text adapted from Victoria & Albert: Art & Love, London, 2010.
This object was displayed at the Charles Dickens Reception at Buckingham Palace, 2012.Provenance
Presented to Queen Victoria, July 1857
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
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Measurements
32.4 x 24.9 cm (book measurement (conservation))
Alternative title(s)
The Frozen deep, in three acts / written by Wilkie Collins.
