3-021-576 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The late Mr. Charles Kean, 1868. 'The death of this distinguished actor is the most memorable of recent theatrical events...The deceased was only fifty-seven; but had, by immense diligence aid great mental effort, won for himself the highest position as an actor...[He] appeared in New York, in September, 1830, as Richard III., when he met with a cordial reception...In 1842, he married Miss Ellen Tree, at Dublin, and thus secured an able partner in the great enterprise of his life, with whom, in 1845, he revisited America. There he made a trial of the spectacular production of Shakspearean dramas, by which he subsequently distinguished himself so signally in England at the Princess's Theatre. It was in 1850 that he became manager of this house...In 1849 the Queen had confided to his management the Christmas theatricals at Windsor Castle...He determined to make the tour of the world, and in 1863 left England in company with his wife...Of an exceedingly nervous temperament, and particularly sensitive to criticism, Mr. Charles Kean led, in some respects, an anxious life; but...Mr. Charles Kean has acquired an enduring fame, which will shed its lustre on the stage so long as that institution shall last'. From "Illustrated London News", 1868.