Not currently on display at the V&A

Charles Kemble

Sculpture
ca.1840 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Charles Kemble (1775-1854) was the eleventh child of the strolling players Roger and Sarah Kemble, and brother of the famous actors Sarah Siddons, John Philip Kemble and Stephen Kemble. He went on stage as a child but worked briefly as a civil servant in his teens: a result of his brother John Philip's attempt to discourage him from a theatrical career. He returned to the stage however in 1794, aged seventeen, when he made his London debut at Drury Lane Theatre as Malcolm in Macbeth, produced by John Philip Kemble.

Never a great tragedian, like Sarah and John Philip, Charles Kemble made his name in lighter roles such as Orlando, Young Absolute, Charles Surface, Benedick and Romeo. He took over the management of Covent Garden from John Philip in 1817 and was rescued from bankruptcy in 1829 when his daughter Frances Anne, or Fanny, performed there. In 1832 they both went to America where they performed to appreciative audiences and where he was perceived as a typical English gentleman. Kemble had the characteristic family Roman profile, which can be seen in this bust.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleCharles Kemble (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Modelled plaster
Brief description
Bust of Charles Kemble (1775-1854). Plaster, ca.1840. Sculptor unknown
Physical description
Plaster bust of Charles Kemble, coated with cream paint. 'C. KEMBLE' inscribed on front of base.
Dimensions
  • Approx height: 23.0cm
  • Approx, across shoulders width: 13.0cm
  • Of base width: 11.5cm
  • Of base depth: 9.8cm
Marks and inscriptions
'C. KEMBLE' (Inscribed on front of base.)
Credit line
Given by Miss C.R. Jacobs
Subject depicted
Summary
Charles Kemble (1775-1854) was the eleventh child of the strolling players Roger and Sarah Kemble, and brother of the famous actors Sarah Siddons, John Philip Kemble and Stephen Kemble. He went on stage as a child but worked briefly as a civil servant in his teens: a result of his brother John Philip's attempt to discourage him from a theatrical career. He returned to the stage however in 1794, aged seventeen, when he made his London debut at Drury Lane Theatre as Malcolm in Macbeth, produced by John Philip Kemble.

Never a great tragedian, like Sarah and John Philip, Charles Kemble made his name in lighter roles such as Orlando, Young Absolute, Charles Surface, Benedick and Romeo. He took over the management of Covent Garden from John Philip in 1817 and was rescued from bankruptcy in 1829 when his daughter Frances Anne, or Fanny, performed there. In 1832 they both went to America where they performed to appreciative audiences and where he was perceived as a typical English gentleman. Kemble had the characteristic family Roman profile, which can be seen in this bust.
Collection
Accession number
S.17-1977

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Record createdDecember 13, 2005
Record URL
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