It seems as if the familiar phrase, "Wigs by Clarkson," may soon disappear from theatre programmes; for I notice that the famous Willie Clarkson is soon to retire from business.
Since probably it represents the greatest wig-maker and theatrical costumier in the world, the name of Willie Clarkson is known and honoured wherever there is a theatre; but his establishment in London has now been sold, and, as Jeremiah Dempsey said, "another name will figure over the door".
For more than sixty years Mr William Clarkson's shop in the midst of London's theatre-land has been the resort of all the leading members of the acting profession. It has known every prominent theatrical performer of the past three or four generations, from Lily Langtry to Edna Best and Tallulah Bankhead. Bernhardt and Tree were but two of the famous theatrical personages who were customers of Clarkson's - to Bernhardt Mr Clarkson was wig-maker for more than forty years.
The name of Clarkson is as familiar to theatre-goers as that of any member of the casts which go to the making of plays, and its disappearance from programmes will be generally regretted.
The Irish Times, July 7th, 1931.