Watercolors of Costumes for Pageant Play "Drake", by Louis Napoleon Parker

London, 1914. Portfolio. Very Good. 45 watercolors in all, measuring 31.5 by 25.5 cm. The illustrations generally have outlines done in pen-and-ink, as the norm for this sort of functional art. Each of the watercolors are mostly on a heavy card, and they have ink and penciled notes about the costume, its specs, naming the character for whom the costume is intended, and sometimes the name of the actor. The playwright, Louis Napoleon Parker (1852-1944), was best known for historical dramas, of which, "Drake", was obviously one. His best known play, Disraeli, was produced one year prior to "Drake" as a vehicle for George Arliss, who did a movie adaptation in the early sound era two decades later. This production was mounted at His Majesty's Theatre, Haymarket, shortly after the outbreak of the First World War. Housed in a thick portfolio case which is now torn, with detached flaps, etc. The cards have light soiling.