Papers of David Garrick

Catalogue record

Notes

David Garrick was one of Britain's greatest actors and the first to be called a star. From 1741 until his retirement in 1776, he was a highly successful actor, producer and theatre manager. He wrote more than 20 plays, and adapted many more (including plays by Shakespeare). Garrick changed the whole style of acting. He rejected the fashion for declamation, where actors would strike a pose and speak their lines formally. Garrick preferred a more easy, natural manner of speech and movement. The effect was a more subtle, less mannered style of acting and a move towards realism. Garrick also became a hugely successful manager after taking over Drury Lane theatre in 1747. He made several major changes and ended the tradition of having audience members sitting on the stage, where they often interfered with the action. No other actor has been painted as many times as Garrick. He is buried in Westminster Abbey.
From the Forster Collection, Victoria and Albert Museum. Reel contents available online.