Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by E. W. Tarver. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This print is one of two portraits included in a souvenir booklet produced to chronicle the history of St.
About this work
This print shows two actors from the 1800s. One is Miss Fanny Kemble, the other is Charles Kean. Both appeared in plays at St. James’s Theatre.
It’s part of a small booklet that tells the theatre’s story from 1835 to 1900. Each print sits on its own page.
Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum for more prints like this.
Overview
This print is one of two portraits included in a souvenir booklet produced to chronicle the history of St. James’s Theatre from its founding in 1835 through 1900. Each portrait—of Fanny Kemble and Charles Kean—is printed on a separate page, positioned on pages 41 and 42. The booklet served as a commemorative record, capturing key figures associated with the theatre during its early decades.
Subject & Meaning
Their inclusion underscores the venue’s commitment to serious drama and its association with leading theatrical talent.
Fanny Kemble and Charles Kean were prominent stage performers of the mid-19th century, both closely linked to St. James’s Theatre. Kemble, known for her Shakespearean roles and abolitionist writings, and Kean, celebrated for his historically informed productions, represent the artistic stature of the theatre’s early years. Their inclusion underscores the venue’s commitment to serious drama and its association with leading theatrical talent.
Technique & Style
The portraits are engraved prints, typical of mid-19th-century theatrical ephemera. Rendered in fine line work, they follow the conventions of formal theatrical portraiture: static poses, classical drapery, and minimal background detail. The prints prioritize recognition over emotional expression, aligning with the era’s preference for dignified, commemorative imagery rather than dynamic realism.
History & Provenance
The booklet was produced as a keepsake for patrons and theatre enthusiasts, likely distributed around the turn of the 20th century. Its survival in collections such as the Victoria and Albert Museum reflects its value as a documentary artifact. The prints were not standalone artworks but integral components of a curated historical narrative, preserving the identities of performers central to the theatre’s legacy.
Context
St. James’s Theatre emerged as a venue for refined drama during a period when London’s theatrical scene was expanding rapidly. The inclusion of Kemble and Kean in this booklet highlights their roles in elevating the theatre’s reputation. Their portraits, alongside the institution’s history, reflect a broader cultural interest in documenting and legitimizing the stage as a serious art form.
Legacy
These prints endure as material traces of 19th-century theatrical culture, offering insight into how performers were memorialized in print. They contribute to the archival record of British theatre, illustrating the intersection of performance, publishing, and public memory. Their preservation in museum collections ensures continued access to the visual history of stage life in Victorian London.
Artist & collection
Artist
E. W. Tarver made early 1900s printed illustrations in a folksy, Victorian style. The bundle includes a 1900 print from the H Beard Collection titled H Beard Print Collection. These busy, black-and-white prints show…
