Mr Freer as Wallace

Uncoloured theatrical portrait plate engraved with a portrait of the actor Mr Freer in the role of Wallace. Such sheets would have been sold plain as theatrical souvenirs for colouring and tinselling at home.

Freer was regarded as a rising star, and was combining regular appearances at the Pavillion with roles at the Garrick. By 1838 Freer was manager of the Garrick. Sadly his early success was not to last. Despite his popularity, Freer struggled to balance the Garrick's finances. Freer began to drink heavily and his wife published attacks on him in the newspapers. In 1857 Freer took his own life.