Ellen Terry (1847-1928), Actress
Dame (Alice) Ellen Terry
Sitter in 145 portraits
Born in Coventry where her actor parents were on tour. Terry was one of eleven siblings and won fame as a child first appearing on stage in 1856 with Charles Kean. Married the painter G.F. Watts in 1864 but separated within a year. Terry had two children by the architect Edward Godwin, Edith Craig and Edward Gordon Craig. Returned to stage in 1872 to establish herself as a leading actress with the Bancroft's and John Hare's company. She performed her most memorable roles under the management of Henry Irving and in later life continued to act but also produced plays, lectured and wrote. Created a Dame in 1925.
by George Frederic Watts
oil on strawboard mounted on Gatorfoam, circa 1864
On display in Room 26 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 5048
by George Frederic Watts
oil on canvas, circa 1864-1865
On display in the Dining Room at Bodelwyddan Castle
NPG 2274
by Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson
oil on canvas, 1876
NPG 3789
replica by John Singer Sargent
oil on canvas, 1906 (1889)
NPG 2273
The Royal Academy Conversazione, 1891
by G. Grenville Manton
pen, ink and gouache, 1891
NPG 2820
by James Ferrier Pryde
oil and varnish on card laid on board, 1906
NPG 6568
by Walford Graham Robertson
oil on canvas, 1922
NPG 3132
by Unknown artist
plaster cast of death-mask, after 1928
NPG 3657
Charles John Kean; Ellen Terry as Leontes and Mamillius in 'The Winter's Tale'
by Martin Laroche (William Henry Silvester)
salt print, 26 April 1856
NPG x7954
Ellen Terry as Desdemona in 'Othello'
by Southwell Brothers
albumen carte-de-visite, 1863
NPG x16990
by London Stereoscopic & Photographic Company
albumen print, 11 May 1867
NPG x18489
by London Stereoscopic & Photographic Company
albumen carte-de-visite, 1870s
NPG Ax18156
by London Stereoscopic & Photographic Company
albumen carte-de-visite, 1870s
NPG Ax18157
by Unknown photographer
woodburytype, published 1875
NPG x135885
by Unknown photographer
matte bromide postcard print, late 1870s
NPG Ax160172
Ellen Terry as Olivia in 'Olivia'
by William Henry Grove, for Window & Grove
albumen cabinet card, circa 1878
NPG x16986
Ellen Terry as Olivia in 'Olivia'
by William Henry Grove, for Window & Grove
albumen cabinet card, circa 1878
NPG x16987
Ellen Terry as Ophelia in 'Hamlet'
by Window & Grove
albumen cabinet card, circa 1878
NPG x16971
Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, Kent
Category
Theatre and Live Entertainment
Groups
Actors and actresses
Places
Kent
Warwickshire
West Midlands
Related pages
Thematic collections
Related shop items
- A Guide to the National Portrait Gallery (paperback)
- A Guide to Victorian & Edwardian Portraits (paperback)
- George Frederic Watts DVD
- Dame Ellen Terry coin purse
- Dame Ellen Terry magnetic frame
- Lilian Gish by James Abbe print
- Dame (Alice) Ellen Terry ('Choosing') by George Frederick Watts mini print
- Dame Ellen Terry by George Frederic Watts greetings card
- Dame Ellen Terry compact mirror






















