Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by John Tallis. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 19th‑century print captures the celebrated English actor William Charles Macready in the role of Richard II.
About this work
Overview
This 19th‑century print captures the celebrated English actor William Charles Macready in the role of Richard II. Produced by the commercial publisher John Tallis & Company, the image presents the performer in full regal costume, emphasizing the theatrical portraiture popular in Victorian print culture.
Subject & Meaning
The work portrays Macready as the titular monarch of Shakespeare’s tragedy, highlighting the actor’s association with the historic king. By fixing a specific stage performance in print, the image serves both as a record of theatrical interpretation and as a visual celebration of the actor’s reputation.
Technique & Style
Created as a monochrome print, the image relies on line work and shading to render the intricate details of costume and facial expression. The style reflects the mid‑1800s trend of realistic portraiture, with an emphasis on clarity that would translate well for reproduction and distribution.
History & Provenance
Published by John Tallis & Company, a firm known for issuing images of notable personalities, the print entered the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection as part of its broader acquisition of Tallis’s portrait series. The museum’s catalogue lists it among the “H Beard Print Collection.”
Context
During the Victorian era, printed portraits of actors and public figures were widely circulated, catering to a growing middle‑class appetite for cultural memorabilia. Macready, a leading figure on the London stage, was a frequent subject of such prints, which helped disseminate his theatrical image beyond the theatre.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Tallis made 19th-century prints you’ll find in the H Beard Print Collection.
