Mr. Mathews in his Various Characters in Travels in Earth, Air & Water

Mathews was an acclaimed comic actor, hugely popular in London between 1818 and 1834. His talents for mimicry, facial and physical contortion, and ventriloquism were used to embody multiple characters and poke fun at a range of social and national types. His annual "At Homes" (one-man theatrical performances that presented roles in quick succession) featured a range of accents, quick costume changes, and songs and were avidly anticipated theatrical Spring events. This print relates to an 1824 performance inspired by a planned (but never made) balloon journey. "Travels in Earth, Air and Water," began with Mathew's descent onto the stage in a balloon basket, and the trip continued to Margate, then onto the Polly Packet boat. Some of the characters portrayed by the actor stand here on the "Polly Pakcet" in front of curtained berths, and include Daniel O'Rourke (Irish steward), Mrs. Tulip (an tall and energetic young widow), Monsieur Jeu-Singe (a French trainer of dancing dogs), the muscular and boastful Major Longbow (aeronaut), Theophilus Tulip (Mrs. Tulip's spoiled son), and Isaac Tabinett (a Jewish trader).