Artwork
Harry Beard Print Collection
Harry Beard Print Collection is a print by the Impressionist artist J. Redington. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This mid‑19th‑century print portrays the actor Samuel Phelps in the role of Sir John Falstaff.
About this work
This print shows Samuel Phelps playing Sir John Falstaff, made around 1860. It’s a mix of Impressionist and Realist styles, with crisp lines. That’s unusual for the time.
Prints like this were cheap ways to share actors’ looks with fans. This one came from the Harry Beard Print Collection.
Check out more works by J. Redington next time you’re at the museum.
Overview
This mid‑19th‑century print portrays the actor Samuel Phelps in the role of Sir John Falstaff. Produced around 1860 and issued by the publisher J. Redington, the image was part of a series intended to circulate the likenesses of popular stage performers among the public.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures Phelps embodying Shakespeare’s boisterous Falstaff, emphasizing the character’s larger‑than‑life presence. By presenting a recognizable theatrical figure, the print serves both as a visual record of a specific performance and as a promotional tool for the actor’s reputation within the Victorian theatre scene.
Technique & Style
The work combines elements of Impressionist brushwork with Realist attention to detail, resulting in a composition marked by clear, defined lines alongside softer tonal variations. This hybrid approach was relatively uncommon for commercial prints of the period, reflecting a deliberate effort to balance aesthetic appeal with faithful representation.
History & Provenance
Originally issued by J. Redington, the print entered the Harry Beard Print Collection, a private assemblage known for gathering theatrical ephemera. The collection later donated or loaned the piece to the museum, where it now resides as part of the broader documentation of 19th‑century performance culture.
Context
In the Victorian era, inexpensive prints were a primary means for audiences to obtain images of their favourite actors, predating photographic reproduction. Such items circulated widely in theatres and shops, contributing to the emerging celebrity culture surrounding stage personalities like Phelps.
Artist & collection
Artist
J. Redington was the guy who spent his life printing portraits of actors and circus performers—tiny, lively scenes of people like Mr. G. French dressed as a harlequin. He had a habit of collecting old prints, trading…
