Sir Laurence Olivier as Hamlet (1948)

The figure of the Prince of Denmark, a silhouette cut out of black paper, is composed of a flat, ungradated black that contrasts with the pale tone of the lining of the robe and the bone white of the skull. The severity of the silhouette is heightened by the angularity of the outline, that of the feet and hair in particular showing the characteristic effects of scissors. Although the forms are simplified to a degree, some small-scale details (such as Hamlet's ring) are important components of the composition (their first poster)…


Edward Gordon Craig, British actor and director.
Played Hamlet at the Olympic Theatre,1897

(the actor) Edward Gordon Craig was to recall seeing the printing of the poster taking place… 'Nicholson printed the thing by hand, quite amazingly. He had a long table and on this he laid a great roll of brown paper, and unrolled it as he stencilled the life-size figure of Hamlet over and over again. It was quite an achievement, but just in Nicholson's line. Pryde was usually upstairs in bed. Mrs Nicholson was preparing a three cornered steak.' These were the circumstances in which the first product of the new partnership was created"
(Beggarstaff p.18, 19)