Mrs Lewis late Miss Harvey as Richard the Third

Uncoloured theatrical souvenir plate engraved with a portrait of the actress Mrs Lewis the role of Richard III. Such sheets would have been sold plain as theatrical souvenirs for colouring and tinselling at home.

Although actresses performed 'breeches roles', they were not usually portraying Shakespearian leads. Critics of the time were surprised to see a woman playing the role of Richard III, but it was well-received and Mrs Lewis travelled throughout America to perform the role. Critics praised Mrs Lewis' portrayal, remarking that:
"Mrs. Lewis is possessed of great physical power, and sustained the character well, difficult as it is, to the end".