The Old BedfordBernard Sickert · 1895

  • Painting mediumOil
  • Medium typeWallArt
  • Art movementImpressionism
  • Creation date1895
  • Art period19th Century
  • Dimensions76.0 x 60.0 cm
  • MuseumNational Museums Liverpool

Bernard Sickert (1863 – 1932)

Explore Bernard Sickert's evocative urban scenes & portraits – a pivotal figure in modern British art. Discover his dark palettes, press photo influence & Camden Town legacy.

National Museums Liverpool (Liverpool, United Kingdom)

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Following the example of Édouard Manet (1832 – 1883) and Edgar Degas (1834 – 1917) and their paintings of Parisian cafes and theatres, Sickert painted the raucous nightlife of London’s music halls throughout his career. He was a regular visitor at the Bedford Music Hall in Camden Town, the subject of this painting. Sickert may have intended it as a sequel to his earlier picture of the child performer Little Dot Hetherington on the stage of the Bedford, in which she is shown pointing to this spot while singing the popular song, “The Boy I Love is up in the Gallery”. As well as recording vividly the atmosphere and setting of a late 19th century performance, this is a brilliant exercise in lighting and composition. Sickert exploits the contrast between the shadowy auditorium and the reflected glare of the stage, and creates tricks of space and perspective by means of the giant mirror on the left.

About this artwork

  • Title: The Old Bedford
  • Artist: Bernard Sickert
  • Year: 1895
  • Original dimensions: 76.0 x 60.0 cm
  • Format: Portrait
  • Copyright status: Public domain
  • Where to see it: National Museums Liverpool
  • Medium: Oil
  • Medium type: WallArt
  • Corpus context: exploration of stage lighting, camden town music halls

Quick Facts

  • Notable elements or techniques: Contrast of light and shadow, use of mirror
  • Subject or theme: London music hall nightlife
  • Year: 1895
  • Title: The Old Bedford
  • Artist: Bernard Sickert

Questions & Answers

What technique was used for "The Old Bedford", and when was it created?

"The Old Bedford" was created in 1895 using the oil technique. Material and date describe how and when the original was made.

What mood and emotion come together in "The Old Bedford"?

"The Old Bedford" by Bernard Sickert conveys a dramatic feeling within an overall dramatic mood.

What was Bernard Sickert's age when "The Old Bedford" was created?

Bernard Sickert was 32 years old when creating "The Old Bedford" in 1895. The age is computed from the artist's birth year, 1863.

Does the copyright of "The Old Bedford" by Bernard Sickert allow reproductions?

The original "The Old Bedford" is at the National Museums Liverpool, and the work is in the public domain - its copyright has expired.

Who is the artist behind "The Old Bedford"?

The artist behind "The Old Bedford" is Bernard Sickert. The work is catalogued under Bernard Sickert's name.

What art movement does "The Old Bedford" by Bernard Sickert belong to?

The movement associated with "The Old Bedford" by Bernard Sickert is Impressionism. This classification situates the work among related artists and artworks.

What is the creation date of "The Old Bedford" by Bernard Sickert?

The creation of "The Old Bedford" by Bernard Sickert is dated 1895.

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