Henry Irving as Hamlet, John Bernard Partridge, ca. 1878

John Bernard PartridgeBritish, 1861–1945

Henry Irving as Hamlet

ca. 1878 · Painting · 33.3 × 24.3 cm

Can I see it?

Not on view at present

Where is “Henry Irving as Hamlet” now? Collection: Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Not on view at present. Checked September 25, 2026.

Victoria and Albert Museum

London, United Kingdom

It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.

Checked: 15 days ago
In this state since: Sep 25, 2026
Source: The museum

On the map Museum page

About the painting

Actor-manager Henry Irving (1838-1905) first played Hamlet at the Theatre Royal, Manchester in the 1860s. In 1878, Irving became manager of the Lyceum Theatre, London and opened his first season by playing Hamlet. This production was also his first with Ellen Terry who went on the be his long-term acting partner.

Bernard Partridge (1861-1945) was a painter and illustrator who became the principal cartoonist of Punch magazine. He acted at the Lyceum in his youth, using the name Bernard Gould, and made many drawings of Irving, some which appeared in the theatre's souvenir programmes. His work has provided both a record of costumes and scenery and of the dramatic effect of Irving's performances

Victoria and Albert Museum