National Portrait Gallery - Person

Charles Kemble (1775-1854), Actor, theatre manager and playwright

Sitter associated with 30 portraits
The actor and theatre manager Charles Kemble conducted his career in the shadow of his acclaimed brother John Philip Kemble, and his legendary sister Sarah Siddons. He made his debut in the supporting role of Malcolm to his brother's Macbeth at Drury Lane in 1794. Unlike his siblings he acted in comedies as well as tragedies. He managed Covent Garden Theatre between 1822 and 1832; a difficult period when its best members, including the singer Catherine Stephens, were defecting to Drury Lane. Kemble's spectacular production of The Tempest (1842) caused a sensation when he used a real ship in the storm scene.

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Charles Kemble as Iago in 'Othello'

by Richard James Lane, printed by Jérémie Graf, published by Colnaghi and Puckle, after Alfred Edward Chalon
lithograph, published May 1840
NPG D22334

Charles Kemble as Don Felix in 'The Wonder'

by Richard James Lane, printed by Jérémie Graf, published by Colnaghi and Puckle, after Alfred Edward Chalon
lithograph, published May 1840
NPG D22338

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by Richard James Lane, printed by R. Martin, published by Colnaghi and Puckle
lithograph, published May 1840
NPG D22339

Charles Kemble as Faulconbridge in 'King John'

by Richard James Lane, printed by Jérémie Graf, published by Colnaghi and Puckle
lithograph, published May 1840
NPG D22323

Charles Kemble as The Stranger

by Richard James Lane, printed by Jérémie Graf, published by Colnaghi and Puckle
lithograph, published May 1840
NPG D22335

Charles Kemble as Leon in 'Rule a Wife, and have a Wife'

by Richard James Lane, printed by Jérémie Graf, published by Colnaghi and Puckle, after Alfred Edward Chalon
lithograph, published May 1840
NPG D22336

Charles Kemble

by Richard James Lane, printed by Jérémie Graf, published by Colnaghi and Puckle, after Alfred Edward Chalon
lithograph, published May 1840 (January 1840)
NPG D22337