Gardener, costume sketch for Henry Irving’s Planned Production of King Richard II 

Editor: This is Edwin Austin Abbey's costume sketch for the "Gardener" in Henry Irving’s planned production of *King Richard II*, rendered in watercolor and drawing. The gardener appears as a figure study in costume. I am immediately drawn to how the loose watercolor suggests a certain fragility, even vulnerability. What layers do you see beneath the surface of this costume design? Curator: It's tempting to read this through the lens of performance and performativity itself. Think about the role of the gardener. Gardeners are traditionally seen as keepers of the earth, often linked with themes of labor, class, and even rebellion, tending to spaces but denied ownership. In the context of *Richard II*, do you see how Abbey's costume, with its hints of muted rebellion through colour and simple construction, could serve to underscore the injustices and societal imbalances portrayed in Shakespeare’s play? Editor: That's interesting! So the gardener's seemingly simple attire becomes a visual metaphor for social tensions. It is amazing what one can infer about historical societal values. Curator: Exactly. The "costume" in a larger context transcends the sartorial: It is about representation and the power dynamics inherent in visibility and who gets to perform on the stage of society. Consider, what voices do you think are highlighted here, and more importantly, who is conspicuously missing from the stage, and from the narrative overall? How might a contemporary interpretation of this drawing encourage us to reflect on whose stories are told and whose are suppressed? Editor: This definitely makes me think of how the past is always present, actively shaping our understanding of equity. I never thought a drawing could be so deeply political. Curator: Art provides tools and opportunities to confront injustices, Editor. Considering Abbey's drawing within its social context, and our own, highlights how crucial critical and creative thinking is in pursuing change.