Coins/Medallions: M0002

Title

Sir Henry Irving's medallion and chain

Technique

Mixed media

Subject

Irving, Henry John (Sir)

Dimensions

Height: 3.5cm
Width: 29cm
Depth: 40cm

Other materials

Painted metal with jewels; medallion diam. 8

Inscription/signature

"To Henry Irving a memorial of readings kindly given June 5 1878 from BC" (engr: on recto); "engraved on the memory" (engr: round centre of medallion); "Stratton Street August 1878 / To Henry Irving in grateful rememberance of June 5 1878. A tribute of regard and esteem from H H Brown to a noble, upright, kind, energetic nature whose genius has given to heart and mind by his great impersonations of histrionic characters H B" (engr: on verso)

Provenance

Presented to the Garrick Club by Lady Brunner, May 1995. In a letter dated, June 8th 1878 wirtten by Hannah Brown (governess and companion to Baroness Burdett-Coutts) to Irving: Wednesday 3 o'clock on June 5, 1878 will not be forgotten by friends assembled in the large Drawing room to hear Irving read selections from the characters of Romeo, Macbeth and Claude Melnotte in his usual quiet and dignified manner; portraying the passions of each by facial expressions and intonation. All appreciated such kindess at a time of pressure of work after 70 or 80 consecutive performances of Louis and rehersals for Vandedecken. He realises beauties of fiction in his own nature. She thanks him for the pleasure and profit received from his readings of shakespeare.

Other number

Gift 965