Mr Phelps as Sir John Falstaff

Handcoloured theatrical souvenir plate engraved with a portrait of the actor Mr Phelps in the role of Sir John Falstaff. Published by Redington at 73 Hoxton Street, London. Such portraits would have been sold plain as theatrical souvenirs for colouring and tinselling at home.

In the 1800s Shakespeare plays were usually performed without distressing events, sexual references or swearing. When Phelps and Warner managed the Sadler's Wells theatre they returned to using Shakespeare's versions. In later life critics said Phelps' physique prevented him becoming a great tragic actor and he took on more
comedy roles.