19th century tinsel print Miss Burnett

This 19th-century tinsel print depicting "Miss Burnett" is a vibrant and rare survivor of a distinctive Victorian folk art tradition. Originally sold as simple black-and-white theatrical portraits, these prints were "dressed" at home by enthusiasts who applied shimmering shards of metallic foil—or tinsel—alongside silk, lace, and sequins to create a three-dimensional, glittering effect. This particular piece showcases Miss Burnett in a dramatic theatrical pose, her costume adorned with embossed metallic highlights that catch the light with a rich, antique lustre.

The print captures the exuberant spirit of the Victorian stage, with the hand-applied tinsel giving the garment a sense of regal opulence and textural depth. The character of Miss Burnett is rendered with the bold, graphic lines typical of 19th-century copperplate or woodblock printing, while the aged paper and the slightly tarnished foil provide an authentic, historic patina. The work is housed in a period-appropriate frame, which serves to protect the delicate metallic elements and the hand-tinted watercolours often found beneath the tinsel.

As a reclaimed piece of theatrical memorabilia, this tinsel print represents a fascinating era of domestic craft and popular entertainment. It stands as a hardy and highly decorative example of Victorian character portraiture, ready to serve as a glittering, historical talking point within a gallery wall or a traditional interior.