Charles Kean papers

Collection

Identifier: D.30

Staff Only

Biographical / Historical note

Charles Kean (1811-1868) was the son of Edmund Kean (1787-1833), the famous tragedian. He was educated at Eton, but was withdrawn when his father's fortunes began to decline. After the separation of his parents, Kean went on the stage against his father's wishes in order to support his mother. He made his first appearance at Drury Lane, under the management of Stephen Price, as Young Norval in Douglass, in 1827. He was not well received by the critics or the public, and so spent the years 1828-1838 acting in the provinces, Europe, and America. He appeared with his father on several occasions, and also had some engagements in London. Charles Kean first achieved popular success in 1838, playing a succession of Shakespearean roles. His popularity was also helped by his leading lady, Ellen Tree (1805-1880) who he married in 1842. In 1848 Queen Victoria appointed him the director of the Windsor Christmas theatricals, a post which he held until 1858. Kean took the lease of the Princess's Theatre in 1850, and during the next ten years alternated Shakespeare with popular pieces. His productions were noted for the accuracy of historical detail and splendor of pageantry. The Keans resigned the management of the Princess's in 1859, then toured the provinces in a series of farewell appearances. They sailed to Australia and America on their last foreign tour in 1863, finishing in New York in 1866. They planned to retire after a final tour of the English provinces, but Kean was taken ill after a performance in Liverpool, May 1867, and died January 1868. Ellen (Tree) Kean lived in retirement after her husband's death, and died in 1880.

Scope and Contents

The Charles Kean Papers are comprised of one box containing twenty folders of correspondence, newspaper articles, and ephemera. Correspondents include Charles and Ellen (Tree) Kean, and members of the London theatrical world, in addition to a long series between the Keans and George William Lovell concerns the writing of The Wife's Secret, one of their most popular plays.

Creator

Kean, Charles John, 1811?-1868 (Person)

Dates

Creation: 1817-1877

Language of Materials

English

Extent

1 box(es)

Access

The Charles Kean Papers are open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Collections & Preservation Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.

Use

In consultation with a curator, reproductions may be made upon request. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from a curator. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], Charles Kean Papers, D.30, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester