Background

James Robinson Planche was born in London, England on the 27th of February 1796; the son of a watchmaker of Huguenot descent.

Education

Planche was educated at home until the age of eight by his mother. He was then sent to boarding school. In 1808 he was apprenticed to a French landscape painter, Monsieur de Court, however this was curtailed by the latter's death two years later. Planche was then articled as an apprentice to a bookseller, with the hope that this would also give him the opportunity to sell some of his own writings.

Career

In 1818 his first dramatic piece, a burlesque entitled Amoroso, King of Little Britain, was produced at Drury Lane theatre. From this time onwards he made play-writing his principal work.

In 1820-1821 he wrote ten pieces for the Adelphi theatre.

In 1823 he designed the dresses for Charles Kemble's revival of King John at Covent Garden, and superintended its production. This was the first time that an historical drama had been "dressed" in the costume of the period.

In 1828 he began writing regularly for Covent Garden theatre, and in 1830 was manager of the Adelphi.

On Mme Vestris taking the Olympic theatre in 1831, Planche entered into an agreement with her to write a series of plays. The first of these, Olympic Revels, a burlesque, was given on the opening night of the theatre, the performance being given in correct classical costume.

In 1843 his Fair One with the Golden Locks was produced by Webster at the Haymarket.

In 1847 Mme Vestris became manageress of the Lyceum theatre, and Planche was engaged as her leading author and designer, his principal success being the Island of Jewels (1849).

Subsequently he wrote for a number of other managements, his last dramatic piece being King Christmas (1871), but he also wrote the songs for Babil and Bijou at Covent Garden (1872).

In addition to his dramatic work Planche enjoyed a considerable reputation as an antiquary and heraldic student.

In 1834 he published The History of British Costumes.

In 1854 he was appointed Rouge Croix pursuivant of arms at the Heralds' College, and in 1866 Somerset herald.

In 1869, at the request of the War Office, he arranged the collection of armour at the Tower of London in chronological order.

He died at Chelsea on the 30th of May 1880.

Achievements

• Planche wrote, adapted, or collaborated on 176 plays and introduced historically accurate costume into nineteenth century British theatre.
  
  He aided in the foundation of the British Archaeological Association in 1843.

Works

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  • Shere Afkun: the First Husband of Nourmahal: a Legend of Hindoostan: in Two Parts

    ( Nineteenth Century Collections Online: European Literat...)

  • Regal Records: Or, a Chronicle of the Coronations of the Queens Regnant of England

    (This book was originally published prior to 1923, and rep...)

  • A Corner of Kent; or, some account of the parish of Ash-next-Sandwich, its historical sites and existing antiquities.

    ( Title: A Corner of Kent; or, some account of the parish...)

  • The History Of British Costume From The Earliest Period To The Close Of The Eighteenth Century

    (This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of th...)

  • Descent of the Danube: From Ratisbon to Vienna, During the Autumn of 1827. with Anecdotes and Recollections, Historical and Legendary, of the Towns, ... Inhabitants and Proprietors, Ancient and

    (This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. T...)

Membership

He was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in 1829.

Connections

On 26 April 1821, Planche married Elizabeth St George, a playwright. The couple had two daughters.

Wife:

Elizabeth St George