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Vesta Tilley, performer and male impersonator
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Vesta Tilley, performer and male impersonator
Vesta Tilley, performer and male impersonator. Date: circa 1900s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23045940
© Mary Evans / Pharcide
Boater Cigar Cigarette Cravat Dresser Dressing Impersonator Performer Pose Posing Straw Tilley Trousers Vesta
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Vesta Tilley: The Unrivaled Male Impersonator of the Edwardian Era This photograph captures the enigmatic and charismatic presence of Vesta Tilley, a pioneering performer and male impersonator who ruled the stages of late 19th and early 20th century London. Dressed in a dapper suit, complete with a crisp white shirt, striped tie, and a jaunty straw boater perched atop her head, Tilley poses with an air of confidence and nonchalance that belies the groundbreaking nature of her act. Born in 1864, Tilley began her career as a child performer in music halls, eventually evolving into a male impersonator in her late teens. Her ability to convincingly embody the masculine role, coupled with her undeniable stage presence, made her an instant sensation. Tilley's performances were a departure from the traditional cross-dressing acts of the time, as she eschewed the exaggerated and caricatured portrayals of women in men's clothing. Instead, she embraced the masculine identity wholeheartedly, often performing in trousers, ties, and even smoking a cigar or cigarette on stage. This photograph, taken circa 1900, captures Tilley in her prime. Her piercing gaze and confident posture exude an undeniable allure, making it clear that she was a woman who was not only comfortable in her own skin but also unafraid to challenge societal norms. Tilley continued to perform and captivate audiences until her retirement in 1930, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential and beloved performers of the Edwardian era.
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