Wooden toy theatre

Continental Europe, ca 1890–1900
MS Add. 8544/49

This wooden toy theatre, decorated with printed papers and a working red curtain, was probably made in Continental Europe at the end of the nineteenth century. Names of Italian cities (Verona and Milan) have been written on the back at a later date. It belonged to Charles Woods (1894–1982), who from a young age attended theatres in Cambridge, London and Paris. His collection of theatrical memorabilia includes over 3500 items and was presented to the Library by his wife.

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