Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by Thomas Jones. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work is a double‑panel print that pairs two distinct scenes.
About this work
Overview
” The right panel shows a solitary figure seated in a courtyard, labeled “The Crown Inn Danger.
The work is a double‑panel print that pairs two distinct scenes. The left panel presents the actor Charles Mathews portraying eight separate roles, each distinguished by costume and gesture, under the caption “Mr Mathews in the Characters of his Memorandum Book.” The right panel shows a solitary figure seated in a courtyard, labeled “The Crown Inn Danger.” Both images are printed side by side on a single sheet.
Subject & Meaning
The left image functions as a visual catalogue of Mathews’s theatrical versatility, emphasizing the breadth of his characterisation through rapid costume changes. The right image offers a quieter, narrative moment—a lone individual in an inn’s courtyard, suggesting a scene of suspense or contemplation, contrasting with the performative energy of the first panel.
Technique & Style
Executed as a print, the work relies on line work and shading to delineate distinct costumes and facial expressions. The careful rendering of each character’s pose reflects a meticulous approach to portraiture, while the courtyard scene employs perspective to create depth. The style recalls the detailed figurative prints of Thomas Jones, noted for precise line and compositional balance.
History & Provenance
The print was issued by the publisher Duncombe, a known 19th‑century printer of popular prints. Its association with Charles Mathews, a celebrated comic actor of the period, situates the work within the broader tradition of theatrical memorabilia circulated for public consumption.
Artist & collection
