Germany - Late 1910's Made for the English Market The Empire Theatre first opened in London's West End in 1884. Built at the north side of Leicester Square, it was operated as a variety theatre and ballet venue until its conversion to a film cinema in the years just before WWI. Perhaps this bank was made for sale and distribution at the theatre. When the curtains are closed, it reads, “Watch The Next Picture”. The narrative is told in four images. In the first image a dapper gentleman and a clown meet in the park. In the second image the clown “eyes up” the sausages dangling from the picnic basket. In the third image he reaches over to grab them as the policeman looks on. In the final image, the policeman confronts the sausage thieving clown as the red coated gentleman looks on.

Pristine