Not on display

Henry Irving as Shylock

Drawing
ca. 1880 (drawn)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Full length watercolour drawing of the actor/manager Sir Henry Irving (1838-1905) as Shylock in The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, signed by the artist Phil May (1864–1903), ca.1880

Henry Irving became a professional actor in 1856 and learned his trade in regional theatres until 1866, when he came to London. He joined the Lyceum Theatre company under the management of H.L. Bateman in 1871, winning great acclaim that year for his psychologically developed characterisation of the guilt-ridden inn-keeper Mathias in Leopold Lewis’s melodrama The Bells. He took on the responsibilities of ‘actor-manager’ in 1878 when he assumed the management of the Lyceum, and remained there until 1902, enjoying star status with his leading lady Ellen Terry (1847-1928). Irving produced a diverse range of old and new plays at the Lyceum, including Shakespeare, historical drama, and literary adaptations. His tireless work to elevate the status of the theatrical profession was rewarded in 1895 when he became the first actor ever to receive a knighthood for services to the theatre.

Irving first produced The Merchant of Venice in 1879, inspired by a Mediterranean cruise during which he visited Venice and North Africa. His portrayal of Shylock was sympathetic and intellectual, unlike the variously comic or villainous ones of preceding eras. The initial production ran for 250 performances, and it remained in Irving’s repertory of plays until his death in 1905.

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleHenry Irving as Shylock (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Watercolour and pencil on board
Brief description
Full length watercolour drawing of the actor/manager Sir Henry Irving (1838-1905) as Shylock in The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, signed by the artist Phil May (1864–1903), ca.1880
Physical description
Full length watercolour drawing of Sir Henry Irving as Shylock, signed by the artist Phil May in the lower left hand corner. The drawing is made in sepia tones apart from the brightly coloured striped scarf used as a sash around the waist.
Dimensions
  • Height: 49.2cm
  • Width: 30.4cm
Marks and inscriptions
'PHIL MAY' (Artist's signature, lower left hand corner)
Credit line
Given by the British Theatre Museum Association
Object history
Given to the British Theatre Museum Association by Mrs Oldworth in July 1963.
Subject depicted
Literary referenceThe Merchant of Venice
Summary
Full length watercolour drawing of the actor/manager Sir Henry Irving (1838-1905) as Shylock in The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, signed by the artist Phil May (1864–1903), ca.1880

Henry Irving became a professional actor in 1856 and learned his trade in regional theatres until 1866, when he came to London. He joined the Lyceum Theatre company under the management of H.L. Bateman in 1871, winning great acclaim that year for his psychologically developed characterisation of the guilt-ridden inn-keeper Mathias in Leopold Lewis’s melodrama The Bells. He took on the responsibilities of ‘actor-manager’ in 1878 when he assumed the management of the Lyceum, and remained there until 1902, enjoying star status with his leading lady Ellen Terry (1847-1928). Irving produced a diverse range of old and new plays at the Lyceum, including Shakespeare, historical drama, and literary adaptations. His tireless work to elevate the status of the theatrical profession was rewarded in 1895 when he became the first actor ever to receive a knighthood for services to the theatre.

Irving first produced The Merchant of Venice in 1879, inspired by a Mediterranean cruise during which he visited Venice and North Africa. His portrayal of Shylock was sympathetic and intellectual, unlike the variously comic or villainous ones of preceding eras. The initial production ran for 250 performances, and it remained in Irving’s repertory of plays until his death in 1905.
Other number
1963/G/100 - BTMA accession number
Collection
Accession number
S.1224-2014

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdMay 19, 2014
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest