Lot Essay
Kemble was born into a theatrical family, taking parts at an early age in his Father's company's productions, together with his sister Sarah. Although originally intended for the priesthood, he decided to follow in the family tradition, and entered a company at Wolverhampton, playing in the provinces for some time, before making his debut at Drury Lane on September 30, 1783 as Hamlet. During this time he wrote and published several volumes of verse, and gave lectures. He remained at Drury Lane for nine years, playing all the leading Shakespearean tragic and comic roles frequently with his sister, Mrs Siddons, who usually overshadowed him. In 1788-9 he was actor-manager of Drury Lane, and this was perhaps the pinnacle of his career, arranging, designing and adapting plays, as well as taking the leading roles in many of them, sometimes with his wife, the former Mrs. Brereton. He continued in this vein throughout the 90s, at the Haymarket as well as the rebuilt Drury Lane theater. In 1808, Covent Garden, in which Kemble had a large stake, was burnt to the ground, and as it was inadequately insured, he was financially ruined. His friends rallied round, new funds were found, and he returned in triumph to the new building when it re-opened in September 1809. He made his final appearance as Coriolanus, and a farewell banquet in his honor was given by Lord Holland. After his retirement from the stage, his collection of plays was bought by the Duke of Devonshire, his library was sold and his house was absorbed into the British Museum. He went to live in Lausanne and died there on February 26, 1823.