Costumes for George Sand's theatres at Nohant. From cloth to the stage

The house of George Sand (1804-1876) at Nohant, run today by the Centre des monuments nationaux, still has two theatres of remarkable authenticity, one designed for actors and the other for puppets. The two theatres are installed in the same room, the audience turning to face whichever stage was in use. Most of the decors and accessories from this dual practice, dating from the middle of the 19th century, have been kept, in particular a unique series of stage costumes. This singular collection gives an idea of the spectacles performed and show the diversity of the costumes used. The collection comprises costumes for actors and also little clothes for the puppets, along with their accessories. They were made by George Sand herself, based on designs by her son Maurice Sand (1823-1889). They bear witness to the intensity of the theatrical activity which animated the daily life of Nohant and its guests. The costumes are of course adapted to the requirements of the stage, but they also suggest a universe of fantasy which is inspired both by ancient history and by the fashions of the day. The article gives a description of the characteristics of the two types of costume and of the restoration campaign which enabled in 2022 the presentation of two newly -restored actors' costumes on stage.