Date: c. 1949-1951
Origin: France
Brand: Tabarin
This souvenir album would have been available for patrons of Bal Tabarin to purchase as a memento of their visit. Located at 36 rue Victor-Massé in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, Bal Tabarin first opened in 1904 and attracted great tourist attention by the 1930s due to its reputation as home of the ‘French Can-can’. The album specifically features photographs from a revue called ‘Reflets’, which debuted in 1949.
Between 1933 and 1949, the renowned designer and illustrator Erté costumed a great variety of acts at Bal Tabarin, including the costumes seen in this album. However, after the death of director Pierre Sandrini, a search for a new director was unsuccessful and the venue ultimately closed in 1953.
To learn more about some of the costumes featured in this album, visit our digital exhibition Erté: Feline Costumes for Bal Tabarin.
From the collection of Karolina Laskowska
