Drawing

Pen and ink sketch of the actor/manager Sir Henry Irving (1838-1905), 'Sir Henry Irving studies - Judy Theatrical'. It shows Irving seated on a beach, reading from a script labelled 'Richard II'. Unsigned and undated.

Sir Henry Irving was one of the leading actors of the late 19th century. He became manager of the Lyceum Theatre in 1878 and continued to run the theatre until his death in 1905. In 1895 he became the first actor to be knighted for services to the theatre.