John William "Willy" Clarkson

John William "Willy" Clarkson was a preeminent London-based theatrical costumier and wigmaker whose clientele spanned the elite of the British stage and the royal family. Operating from his famous premises in Wardour Street, Soho, he became known as the "Wig King" for his unparalleled craftsmanship and extensive stock. His career was later overshadowed by his sensational involvement in a notorious fraud attempt connected to the Druce-Portland case. Clarkson's legacy endures as a pivotal figure in Edwardian theatrical production and a flamboyant character in the social history of London.

Early life and family

Born in London in 1861, he was the son of Alfred Clarkson, a well-established wigmaker and perfumer who supplied the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The family business, founded by his grandfather, provided a direct immersion into the world of Victorian theatre. He was educated at King's College School in London before formally entering the family trade, learning the intricate arts of hairdressing and wig construction. The Clarkson workshop was a hub for actors from major venues like the Lyceum Theatre, where Henry Irving performed, embedding him in the professional networks of the London theatrical scene from a young age.

Career as a theatrical costumier

Taking over the business upon his father's death, he expanded it dramatically, establishing a vast emporium at 41 and 43 Wardour Street. His firm, Clarkson's, became the indispensable supplier for West End productions, provincial tours, and pantomime. He outfitted legendary actors including Herbert Beerbohm Tree, Ellen Terry, and Lillie Langtry, and his work was seen in productions at Her Majesty's Theatre and the Gaiety Theatre. His genius lay in combining historical accuracy with theatrical flair, maintaining an immense inventory of costumes from every era, which he famously rented rather than sold.

The "Wig King" and royal patronage

His reputation as the "Wig King" was cemented by his peerless skill in wig-making, servicing not only the stage but also high society and the aristocracy. This expertise led to prestigious royal appointments as wigmaker to King Edward VII and later King George V. He prepared wigs and costumes for royal ceremonies, including coronations and State Openings of Parliament, and was a favored supplier for fancy-dress balls at venues like Devonshire House. His client list also included political figures such as Winston Churchill and celebrities like the Harry Houdini.

Involvement in the "Druce-Portland case"

In 1907, his public standing was severely damaged by his central role in a conspiracy related to the long-running Druce-Portland case. This legal cause célèbre involved a fraudulent claim to the Portland title and estates. He was hired to provide an elderly female impersonator to pose as the supposedly deceased Thomas Charles Druce. The plot aimed to prove Druce had faked his death and was actually the 5th Duke of Portland. The scheme unraveled, leading to a highly publicized trial at the Old Bailey, where he was prosecuted by the Attorney General for England and Wales and convicted of conspiracy and perjury. He received a relatively light sentence, but his reputation never fully recovered.

Later life and death

Following the scandal, he continued his business but under a diminished profile. His later years were spent at his Wardour Street establishment and his home in Bloomsbury. He remained a familiar, if somewhat notorious, figure in London until his death in 1934. His extensive collection of theatrical memorabilia, including items belonging to Sarah Bernhardt and David Garrick, was dispersed after his death. He is buried in Brompton Cemetery, London, his legacy a complex blend of theatrical preeminence and Edwardian notoriety.

Category:English wigmakers Category:English businesspeople Category:1861 births Category:1934 deaths