Record

Browse this collectionThis entry describes an individual archive record or file. Click here to browse the full catalogue for this collection
Archive Reference / Library Class No.D5459/1/34/19
Former ReferenceD5459/1/117
TitleKing John : Mrs Crawford in the Character of Lady Constance
DateMar 1787
DescriptionPortrait of Mrs Crawford seated on the ground, facing right. She wears a white dress with a black bodice, and in her hair she has a number of ostrich feathers and a long white veil. Available on CD 157.
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
ArtistWoodward, George Murgatroyd (?1765-1809)
Archive CreatorGeorge Murgatroyd Woodward (1765-1809), artist and writer
Further InformationG M Woodward delin : March 1787

"Lady Const / _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ my grief's so great | That no supporter but the huge firm earth | Can hold it up. Here I and sorrow sit | Here is my throne, bid Kings come bow to it."

Ann Barry, later Mrs. Thomas Crawford (1734-1801) made her London debut at the Haymarket in the 'Beggar's Opera' in 1767, and in the same year moved to Drury Lane with her husband, Spranger Barry. She generally played what were called 'pathetic roles' and was particularly famed for playing madness.

She played Lady Constance on 16 Jan 1784 at Covent Garden, and it was commented on that this was the first time the play had been performed at Covent Garden for six years. A print in Bell's Shakespeare of 1775 showed her in the role.
Physical DescriptionColoured drawing. Size 263 x 197 mm. Portrait.
CopiesA digital copy can also be viewed on the public computers at the record office.
Related MaterialSee D5459/1/4/14 for a scene from the play.
Publication NoteB.D.A., London Stage.
Image

King John : Mrs Crawford in the Character of Lady Constance

Add to My Items