Mr H. Kemble as Henry VIII in the Cloth of Gold

Uncoloured theatrical souvenir portrait plate printed with an engraving of the actor Mr H Kemble in the role of Henry VIII in the Cloth of Gold. Published July 22nd 1830. The engraving is signed by the artist 'W.Hornegold' Such portraits would have been sold plain as theatrical souvenirs for colouring and tinselling at home.

The Kembles were a renowned theatrical family and three generations found fame as successful actors. This print shows Henry Stephen Kemble, whose mother was Elizabeth Satchell and whose father was Stephen Kemble, the second son of Roger Kemble. Henry Stephen Kemble played in several important parts at Drury Lane when his father managed the theatre. Critics noted that he seemed somewhat unqualified for some of these roles.