λ An early 19th century theatrical tinsel print picture of Mrs Fitzwilliam as Poll the Pet

λ An early 19th century theatrical tinsel print picture of Mrs Fitzwilliam as Poll the Pet, silk, cut tinsel foil and hand-coloured etching, inscribed 'J. FAIRBURN 110 Minories London, MRS. FITZWILLIAM AS POLL THE PET, In the Pot of the Petticoats', 24 x 19.4cm, in a glazed, rosewood frame.

Tinsel prints were created from etched portraits of theatrical stars in popular roles they played on the London stage. They were hand-coloured and decorated with scraps of material and tinsel additions. They were popular during the first half of the 19th century and were considered an adult, rather than a child's hobby. By the 1830s it was possible to buy the tinsel, leather and feather ornaments to go with each image.