J.P. Harley as the Strange Gentleman
Print
23 January 1837 (published)
23 January 1837 (published)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Born in London, the actor and singer John Pritt Harley (1786-1858) began his career as an amateur. He made his first professional appearance as Marcelli in The Devil's Bridge at the English Opera House in July 1815, and in September that year at Drury Lane Theatre as Lissardo in The Wonder. He went on to play leading comic roles in operas, succeeding to the types of parts previously played by his friend John Bannister. Harley joined the company at the St. James Theatre in December 1835 when the theatre was opened by John Braham.
The Strange Gentleman was Dickens' first play, based on his sketch The Whinglebury Duel and produced at the St. James’s Theatre on 29 September 1836. Although Harley's performance was well-received, it is clear from Dickens' later correspondence that he regretted his early dramatic forays at the St. James's Theatre, including The Strange Gentleman.
The Strange Gentleman was Dickens' first play, based on his sketch The Whinglebury Duel and produced at the St. James’s Theatre on 29 September 1836. Although Harley's performance was well-received, it is clear from Dickens' later correspondence that he regretted his early dramatic forays at the St. James's Theatre, including The Strange Gentleman.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | J.P. Harley as the Strange Gentleman (assigned by artist) |
| Materials and techniques | printing ink on paper |
| Brief description | Full-length portrait of John Pritt Harley (1786-1858) in the title role of The Strange Gentleman by Charles Dickens, St. James's Theatre, 29 September 1836. Aquatint and stipple engraving by Reginald Easton (1807-1893) after the drawing by James Childe (1778-1862). Published by Colnaghi Son & Co., Pall Mall East, 23 January 1837 |
| Physical description | Full-length aquatint and stipple engraved portrait of John Pritt Harley in character as the Strange Gentleman, wearing a top hat, double-breasted jacket, checked shirt and trousers, standing holding a portmanteau in his right hand, with his left hand on his hip. Printed with the title 'J.P. Harley as the Strange Gentleman' and the quote from the play: 'I hate the look of this place - You'll very often find me at the Saint James's Arms.' Signed by J.P. Harley in brown ink with the dedication: 'with kind regards to his friend George Daniel 1837'. Stamped near the lower edge in red ink with an Enthoven Collection stamp. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | 'J.P. Harley with kind regards to his friend George Daniels 1837' |
| Credit line | Gabrielle Enthoven Collection |
| Subject depicted | |
| Literary reference | The Review |
| Summary | Born in London, the actor and singer John Pritt Harley (1786-1858) began his career as an amateur. He made his first professional appearance as Marcelli in The Devil's Bridge at the English Opera House in July 1815, and in September that year at Drury Lane Theatre as Lissardo in The Wonder. He went on to play leading comic roles in operas, succeeding to the types of parts previously played by his friend John Bannister. Harley joined the company at the St. James Theatre in December 1835 when the theatre was opened by John Braham. The Strange Gentleman was Dickens' first play, based on his sketch The Whinglebury Duel and produced at the St. James’s Theatre on 29 September 1836. Although Harley's performance was well-received, it is clear from Dickens' later correspondence that he regretted his early dramatic forays at the St. James's Theatre, including The Strange Gentleman. |
| Other number | |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | S.680-2012 |
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| Record created | July 25, 2012 |
| Record URL |
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