Opera – an introduction
Discover the evolution of opera from early Baroque extravaganzas through to contemporary productions
Opera
Ranging from costumes and accessories to set designs, engravings, photographs and sheet music, objects from our collections come together to tell the fascinating 400-year history of opera – documenting the evolution of the 'play that is sung', from its 17th century origins, through to experimental contemporary productions.
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These objects explore the staging of opera in its many forms – tragic, comic, serious and popular – as well as the lives of its most influential performers. Highlights include set designs by Derek Jarman, costumes by David Hockney, music scores by George Frederick Handel, and cartoons by William Hogarth.
Collection highlights
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Opera Theatre of St. Louis, poster, 1978, Missouri, US -
Thérèse, set design, designed by Alan Barlow, 1979, UK -
Serious Operas Vol. VIII, libretto, by George Frideric Handel and Nicola Francesco Haym, printed by Thomas Wood, 1720, London, England -
Theatre costume, designed by Alexander Golovin, about 1910, Russia -
Theatre costume, designed by Bruno Santini, made by David Garrett, 1977, UK -
Opera glasses, 19th century, Europe -
H Beard Print Collection, engraved by James Gillray, published by H. Humphrey, 1803, London, England -
Costume design, designed by Oliver Messel, 1950, London, England -
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph, photograph, 19th century, Britain -
Engraving of a court ballet in Vlasislav Hall, Prague Castle, by Mat'a, 1617, Britain -
Rich's Glory or his Triumphant Entry into Covent-Garden, engraved by William Hogarth, printed by Robert Wilkinson, 1811, Britain -
The Nightingale, theatre costume, designed by David Hockney, 1983, UK -
Covent Garden Opera House; The Colonnade, watercolour, by John Walter Bayes, about 1940, London, England -
Jenny Lind as Alice in Meyerbeer's Opera, figure, 1847, Staffordshire, England -
Relief of George Frideric Handel, made by Louis-François Roubiliac, 1750 – 60, London, England -
Souvenir Japanese fan commemorating The Mikado's 1000th performance at the Savoy Theatre, 1896, Japan -
Music sheet, engraved by George Bickham Jnr., 1737 – 38, London, England -
Lithograph showing the building of Her Majesty’s Theatre, by Sir William Rothenstein, about 1897, London, England -
Giuseppe Verdi, sculpture, sculpted by Raffaello Romanello, about 1890, Europe
Features
Opera engravings, caricatures, and prints
Engravings, caricatures and prints in our collections document the dramatic 400 year history of opera
The development of British opera
An introduction to key figures from British opera, through portraits, photographs, posters, playbills and programmes
Opera divas
The original divas – meet opera's leading ladies
Opera tenors
Meet the tenors – the male stars of opera
Opera costume
Our exquisite costumes capture the ever-evolving spirit of opera
Opera set design
Opera set designs reflect the social, political and cultural mood of the time and place they are performed
A night at the opera
From decorative opera glasses to the collapsible top hat, discover the range of objects designed specifically for opera-going
The architecture of opera houses
Discover some of the world's most iconic opera house architecture
Opera – the total art form
Artists, designers and performers diverse range of skills combine to create a total art form: opera
Inside the Opera: Passion, Power and Politics exhibition
Take a look inside the opera exhibition
Setting the scene
Quick guides to seven great operas through the ages
#OperaPassion Day
#OperaPassion day featured live streams and special events from across the UK in celebration of opera
