A CORSET WORN BY DIANA RIGG (1938-2020) in 'The Avengers' episode, 'A Touch of Brimstone'
designed by Rigg (by repute) and made by James Parker, bearing a label for Parker inscribed with Rigg's name, worn by Rigg in her portrayal of Mrs Emma Peel in the episode 'A Touch of Brimstone' from the spy series, The Avengers, first broadcast on 15th February 1966
Provenance: purchased by a projectionist at a clearance sale at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood around the late 1960s, thence by family descent.
| Condition Report: |
click here
|
| Estimate: |
£3,000 - £5,000
|
|
Hammer price:
|
£3,000 |
Bidding ended. Lot has been sold.
This unique item of costume was worn by Rigg in her portrayal of Mrs Peel in the famous 1966 episode of The Avengers, 'A Touch of Brimstone'. The episode was controversial due to a scene in which Rigg appears, wearing the present corset, as part of her 'Queen of Sin' costume, following a plotline in which her character infiltrates the sinister Hellfire Club.
Due to the costume and the sadomasochistic undertones of the scene in which it appeared, the episode was not shown in the US on its original broadcast. Nevertheless, it was the most-watched episode of The Avengers on its original showing in the UK. Rigg's performance in the controversial scene, and the costume in which she appears, have become the subject of extensive commentary and scholarship, sparking debates around feminism, eroticism and representation.
The present corset is believed to be the only one made for the show and therefore represents a unique piece of twentieth-century cultural and television history.
Read more
