2-982-293 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Swedish Minstrels, at St. James's Hall, 1858. 'The Swedish singers are represented as wearing the costumes peculiar to the peasantry of the principal provinces of their country...The most original figure of the group is the Laplander, identical in race with the earliest inhabitants of Sweden...Dalecarlia, one of the most important provinces of Sweden, is represented by three costumes - those of three different districts...The singer who wears the long white coat, blue waistcoat, and yellow smallclothes, is from the parish of Vingakor...The figure in a reclining position, attired in a short blue coat, long waistcoat, dark smallclothes, and boots, is from Smaland...Of the three remaining figures, that in the long dark coat, cap, yellow smallclothes, and shoes, shows the costume of Vermeland...The last two figures wear the costume of two different districts of the province of Skane...The series of entertainments which has been recently given by the Swedish singers at St. James's Hall has materially added to their reputation, and their approaching tour in the provinces is likely to prove successful'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.