Behold the Willy Clarkson Blue Plaque. It’s a testament to a life less ordinary. A life brimming with theatrical glamour and shadowy secrets.
This plaque commemorates William Berry Clarkson a theatrical wigmaker and costume designer. He lived and worked here at 41-43 Wardour Street from 1905 until his death in 1934. His legacy is more than just wigs and costumes. It’s a story woven with threads of royal patronage insurance fraud and even whispers of involvement in one of history’s most notorious unsolved mysteries.
Willy Clarkson inherited his father’s wigmaking business in 1878. The business had started in 1833. It quickly expanded into theatrical costumes and makeup. His shop became wildly successful. For over five decades it supplied most of London’s West End theatres. Clarkson’s creations graced the heads of countless actors. His costumes adorned the stages of countless plays. He even held a royal warrant. He supplied wigs and costumes to Queen Victoria herself.
But Willy Clarkson was more than just a talented craftsman. He was a master of disguise. His skills were so renowned that he even helped create disguises for police investigations. He reportedly supplied disguises for Scotland Yard detectives. The famous Dreadnought hoax involved Clarkson. He helped disguise the participants including Virginia Woolf as Abyssinian royalty.
However his life wasn’t without its darker side. After his death evidence emerged of large-scale insurance fraud. Multiple fires at his properties resulted in significant insurance payouts. Investigations revealed a pattern of suspicious blazes. His death itself remains shrouded in mystery. He was found unconscious with a head wound. The cause of death was never fully established. The circumstances surrounding his death led to speculation of foul play. Blackmail was also suspected as a possible motive.
The Willy Clarkson Blue Plaque stands as a reminder of a man who was both celebrated and controversial. His story intertwines the glittering world of the theatre with the murky underbelly of London life. He was a man of immense talent and questionable ethics. His legacy is a fascinating blend of artistry and intrigue. His name is forever linked to this building a silent witness to a life lived in the spotlight and the shadows. He remains a captivating figure a true enigma of the London stage.