Francis Arkwright

‘May 7 [1828]--Breakfasted with Lord Francis Gower, and again enjoyed the

great pleasure of meeting Mrs. Arkwright, and hearing her sing. She is,

I understand, quite a heaven-born genius, having scarce skill enough in

music to write down the tunes she composes. I can easily believe this.

There is a pedantry among great musicians that deprives their

performances of much that is graceful and beautiful. It is the same in

the other fine arts, where fashion always prefers cant and slang to

nature and simplicity…’

Part of the talented Kemble family, Francis Arkwright (nee Kemble) was first cousin to actress Fanny Kemble.  Francis Arkwright didn’t achieve as much public acclamation as much of the rest of her extended family, but clearly her talents were appreciated by Walter Scott.  He describes her performances in several journal entries, including the one above.

Fanny Kemble

‘June 17 [1830].—Went last night to theatre, and saw Miss Fanny Kemble's Isabella [Southerne's Fatal Marriage], which was a most creditable performance. It has much of the genius of Mrs. Siddons, her aunt. She wants her beautiful countenance, her fine form, and her matchless dignity of step and manner. On the other hand, Miss Fanny Kemble has very expressive, though not regular, features, and what is worth it all, great energy mingled with and chastened by correct taste. I suffered by the heat, lights, and exertion, and will not go back to-night, for it has purchased me a sore headache this theatrical excursion. Besides, the play is Mrs. Beverley [In the Gamester by Moore], and I hate to be made miserable about domestic distress, so I keep my gracious presence at home to-night, though I love and respect Miss Kemble for giving her active support to her father in his need, and preventing Covent Garden from coming down about their ears…’

Actress Fanny Kemble was born this day, November 27^th, in 1809.  She was not quite 21 when Walter Scott saw her performance, which he recorded in his journal.  Ms. Kemble moved to the United States two years later, initially to accompany her father on a theatrical tour.  By 1834, she had married an American, Pierce Butler.  The now Frances Anne Butler, kept several journals herself.  One noted journal deals with slavery, others with her life in Boston and trips to western Massachusetts.  She was fond of Lenox, MA, the current summer home of the Boston Pops (Tanglewood) where she is remembered today.  From her journal: ‘My abiding feeling is that I had better get back to my beloved Lenox, to the side of the “bowl” (the Indian name of a beautiful small lake between Lenox and Stockbridge), among the Berkshire hills…’

The Kembles

October 5.—A quiet day at Ravensworth Castle, giggling and making giggle among the kind and frank-hearted young people. Ravensworth Castle is chiefly modern, excepting always two towers of great antiquity. Lord Ravensworth manages his woods admirably well, and with good taste. His castle is but half-built. Elections have come between. In the evening, plenty of fine music, with heart as well as voice and instrument. Much of the music was the spontaneous effusions of Mrs. Arkwright, who had set Hohenlinden and other pieces of poetry. Her music was of a highly-gifted character. She was the daughter of Stephen Kemble. The genius she must have inherited from her mother, who was a capital actress. The Miss Liddells and Mrs. Barrington sang the "The Campbells are coming," in a tone that might have waked the dead.

Walter Scott seemed to enjoy an excellent day with Francis Arkwright reciting poetry, on October 5^th, 1827.  Ms. Arkwright’s father Stephen and grandfather Roger were both successful theater managers.  While Roger did some acting, son Stephen gained more renown in this regard.  And, of course, Francis Arkwright’s cousin, actress Fanny Kemble was fairly famous too.  The text above is from Scott’s Journal.