‘The Divine Sarah’ in The Sketch. Vol. VI, no.73

20 June 1894

Storage Journal AP 4 S53 V.6

London: Ingram Brothers

Considered by some to be a pioneer of the ‘new journalism’, the Sketch (1893-1959) was conceived as a lighter alternative to the Illustrated London News. Its focus was on celebrity, culture, metropolitan life, the royal family, and society gossip. Founder and editor Clement Shorter was particularly committed to the use of photography in journalism, preferring it to more traditional techniques such as wood engravings. Sarah Bernhardt was one of the most popular actresses of the day, and she was acutely conscious of the power of the press. These images showcase her many different personae, both on and off the stage. Prominent contributors to the Sketch included Max Beerbohm, Walter de la Mare, and Agatha Christie, who wrote almost 50 stories for the publication.