William Thomas Lewis
(circa 1746-1812), ActorMid-Georgian Portraits Catalogue Entry
Sitter in 8 portraits
Lewis was an actor and theatre manger who began his career in Ireland before arriving in London in 1773. He soon became well-known London's theatrical circles, performing in Covent Garden for 35 consecutive seasons. He was famous for his comic roles and was known as 'Gentleman Lewis' to reflect his refined style of acting.
William Thomas Lewis as Mercutio in 'Romeo and Juliet'
by Gainsborough Dupont
oil on canvas, feigned oval, 1794
On display in Room 18 on Floor 3 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 5148
possibly by Jean Condé, after Samuel De Wilde
stipple engraving, published circa 1791
NPG D18983
William Thomas Lewis as the Marquis in Elizabeth Inchbald's 'The Midnight Hour'
by and published by John Jones, after Sir Martin Archer Shee
mezzotint, published 17 November 1792
NPG D37317
by William Ridley, published by Vernor & Hood, after George Chinnery
stipple, published 30 November 1798
NPG D49501
'Blowing up the Pic Nic's; - or - Harlequin Quixotte attacking the puppets'
by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
hand-coloured etching and aquatint, published 2 April 1802
NPG D12786
by William Daniell, after George Dance
soft-ground etching, published 15 March 1810 (28 October 1798)
NPG D12154
'Blowing up the Pic Nic's; - or - Harlequin Quixotte attacking the puppets'
by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
hand-coloured etching and aquatint, published 2 April 1802
NPG D13699
Comments back to top
We are currently unable to accept new comments, but any past comments are available to read below.
If you need information from us, please use our Archive enquiry service . Please note that we cannot provide valuations. You can buy a print or greeting card of most illustrated portraits. Select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Buy a Print button. Prices start at around £6 for unframed prints, £16 for framed prints. If you wish to license an image, select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Use this image button, or contact our Rights and Images service. We digitise over 8,000 portraits a year and we cannot guarantee being able to digitise images that are not already scheduled.