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Albums compiled by Prince Albert, reflecting his beliefs surrounding photography

Martin Laroche (1814-86)

'Richard 2nd, Act I, Scene I'; Mr Cathcart as Thomas de Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk. Mr Ryder as Henry Bolingbroke 1857

Albumen print | 7.4 x 6.2 cm (whole object) | RCIN 2800797

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Photograph of a full length, double portrait of James Faucit Cathcart as Thomas de Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk and John Ryder as Henry Bolingbroke in Act 1 scene 1 of William Shakespeare's play, Richard II. The actors stand, facing towards each other. They both wear opulent, patterned robes.

This photograph documents Charles Kean's production of Richard II by Shakespeare, with Kean in the title role. The production was shown at Princess's Theatre, London, where Kean presented many adaptations of Shakespeare's plays. The plays were distinguished for their elaborate scenery and attention to detail that included historically authentic costumes and music. Queen Victoria saw Kean's production of Richard II five times (Royal Archives reference VIC/MAIN/Z/115). A hand coloured set of photographs of this production by the photographer Laroche were presented to Queen Victoria by Prince Albert for Christmas 1857.

  • Creator(s)

    Martin Laroche (1814-86) (photographer)

    Subject(s)
    James Cathcart (1828-1902)
    John Ryder (1814-85)
  • 7.4 x 6.2 cm (whole object)

  • From an album of photographs collected and arranged by Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
    Subject(s)
    • Language, Linguistics and Literature
      • Literature
        • Drama
    • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
      • Theatre