Divorce hearing in November 1903 of Vesta Victoria (1873-1951). Drawing by F.V. Poole for an illustrated newspaper.

1903

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Dominant colour

Divorce hearing in November 1903 of Vesta Victoria (1873-1951). Drawing by F.V. Poole for an illustrated newspaper. is a 1903 by Frederick Victor Poole, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Frederick Victor Poole
When & what style?: 1903
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This drawing shows a famous singer at a divorce court in London in 1903. It’s a sketch made for a newspaper. Vesta Victoria, known for her music hall shows, was there to formally ask for a divorce. Her husband also worked in the theater. She claimed he was cruel and cheated on her. Check out more by the artist Frederick Victor Poole at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The story of this work

Overview

A pen, ink and pencil illustration made in November 1903 for publication in an illustrated newspaper shows music hall performer Vesta Victoria appearing before Mr Justice Bucknill as a petitioner for divorce from her husband Frederick Wallace McAvoy, the acting manager of the Euston Palace of Varieties. The drawing depicts Victoria, then using her married name, charging cruelty and adultery, including accusations of infidelity with a woman in Westcliffe-on-Sea on 2 November 1901, while also showing her manager Archer Lawrence in attendance. The case concluded in 1904 with a decree nisi and…

Read the full account in the museum source.