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Ira Aldridge (1807–1867), actor, was born and educated at the African Free School in New York. Aldridge came to Britain in 1824, and first appeared in the lead role of Othello at the Royalty Theatre in the east end of London the following year. In 1833 he made his West End debut playing Othello again at Covent Garden, replacing Edmund Kean. Audiences were positive but reviews were mixed on the idea of a black actor in such a prestigious role. Aldridge continued to perform around Britain, seeking out various black roles as well as famous typically white roles, including Lear, Shylock, Macbeth, Richard III. He toured Europe, becoming one of the highest paid actors in the world. His subsequent reputation led to a triumphant return to the London stage in 1855.
Title
Ira Frederick Aldridge
Date
1853
Medium
lithograph on paper
Measurements
H 44.2 x W 29.3 cm
Accession number
D7311
Acquisition method
purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries and the Pilgrim Trust, 1966
Work type
