Actor returns to spotlight

A portrait of the greatest English actor of the early 19th century is to become a permanent exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery. The portrait of John Philip Kemble (1757-1823) by Sir Thomas Lawrence PRA was first exhibited by the painter at the Royal Academy in 1812 to great acclaim, and was considered to be one of Lawrence’s finest works showing the best likeness of the actor.

The painting, entitled Kemble as Cato, shows the fine stage actor in the lead role in Joseph Addison’s play, staged in 1811 at the Theatre Royal in London’s Covent Garden. The importance of the portrait was recognised by the Museums, Libraries and Archives council, which granted it pre-eminent heritage status.

For more details visit www.npg.org.uk