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Charles Mathews

(1776-1835), Comedian

Regency Portraits Catalogue Entry

Sitter associated with 22 portraits
Artist associated with 1 portrait
The comic actor Charles Mathews's distinctive appearance, lop-sided mouth and remarkable gift for mimicry ensured huge contemporary popularity. In a double-act with fellow comedian John Liston, Mathews played the quick-thinking wit to Liston's gullible fool. During the summer months he toured the provinces and began to develop the idea of a one-man show. This eventually became the famous Mr Mathews at Home which combined mimicry, story-telling, quick-change artistry, comic songs and improvisation. It was equally popular in England and the USA where he toured in 1822-3 and 1834.

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Charles Mathews, by Charles Turner, published by  Colnaghi, Son & Co, after  James Lonsdale - NPG D18709

Charles Mathews

by Charles Turner, published by Colnaghi, Son & Co, after James Lonsdale
mezzotint, published 1 November 1826
NPG D18709

Charles Mathews ('Studying four of his most celebrated Characters'), by William Greatbach, published by  Richard Bentley, after  George Henry Harlow - NPG D5227

Charles Mathews ('Studying four of his most celebrated Characters')

by William Greatbach, published by Richard Bentley, after George Henry Harlow
line engraving, published 1838
NPG D5227

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