Life
1693-1766; b. Dublin, illegitimate son of a barrister; appeared Smock Alley in 1714; became a leading actor in London; or 1715; came of note as Bajazet in Tamberlaine, 1716; acted at Lincoln’s Inn fields, taking lead part in tragedy, 1717-32; subsequently at Drury lane; reappeared at Covent Garden, 1742-1751; rival of Garrick at Covent Gdn., 1746-47; lived after retirement (1756) in friendship with Garrick. ODNB BREF
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Commentary
Edith Sitwell, Bath (London: Faber & Faber 1931), Chap. XIII: James Quin d. at Pierrepont St., and bequeathed £50 to Thos. Gainsborough, and £100 to Mary Simpson, landlady at Centre House, Pierrepont St.
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References
Dictionary of National Biography: Walpole admired him the more of the two, but Davies judged him unfitted for vigorous parts in tragedy.
Hyland Books (Cat. 219; 1995), lists The Life of Mr James Quin, Comedian (1887), port.
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Notes
Portrait: There is an mezzotint portrait of Quin as Falstaff by J. McArdell (reproduced in Brian de Breffny, Ireland: A Cultural Encyclopaedia (London: Thames & Hudson 1983) p.201).
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