A Design for a Monument Dedicated to the Memory of Mr. Henderson 1786

Thomas Prattent made this print, A Design for a Monument Dedicated to the Memory of Mr. Henderson, around 1800. It depicts an unrealized monument to John Henderson, a famous Shakespearean actor. The image speaks volumes about the cultural status of theatre in late 18th-century Britain. We see Henderson’s likeness enshrined with allegorical figures reminiscent of ancient monuments. The theatrical masks and references to Shakespeare—Hamlet, Macbeth, Richard III— elevate the actor to the same level as classical heroes. Quotations from Macbeth remind us of death’s inevitability, while cherubic figures symbolise enduring fame through art. This monument design suggests a growing acceptance of theatre as a legitimate art form, worthy of institutional commemoration. In Britain at this time, the Georgian era, the rise of the middle class also fueled a demand for cultural institutions such as theatres, concert halls, and museums. By examining playbills, theatre reviews, and biographical accounts, art historians can uncover the social dynamics shaping artistic production and appreciate how the public role of art evolves over time.