Mr C. Kemble as Charles 2nd the Merry Monarch

Uncoloured theatrical souvenir plates printed with a portrait of the actor Mr C. Kemble in the role of Charles II in the Merry Monarch. Published October 10th 1831. Such sheets would have been sold plain as theatrical souvenirs for colouring and tinselling at home.

Charles Kemble was from the Kemble family, three generations of whom were successful actors. Charles was the youngest son of Roger Kemble and at the start of his acting career performed alongside his older brothers and sister. Initially overlooked amongst his acclaimed family, Charles achieved renown later in life. He formally retired from the stage in 1834 and gave readings of Shakespeare. His daughter, Fanny, also took to the stage.