William Terriss (Henry VIII) before 1890

This photographic print shows actor William Terriss in costume as Henry VIII, though the photographer remains unknown. What is particularly compelling about this image is how it captures the craft of costume design. Look closely, and you’ll see the ways in which the materials evoke luxury and power. The fabrics, likely a mix of velvet, brocade, and fur, are meticulously assembled and embellished. The stitching, the cut of the garments, and the overall construction required skilled labor. The costume is not merely clothing; it's a constructed identity, literally embodying Henry VIII. The photograph itself, a relatively new technology at the time, democratized image-making, allowing for the mass production and consumption of portraits. While traditionally, such detailed garments would be exclusive to the elite, here they are captured, reproduced, and disseminated. Considering both the making of the costume and the photograph, this image speaks to the complex interplay between craft, technology, and social identity. It blurs the boundaries between stagecraft, portraiture, and the wider culture of image production.