George Bartley (c.1782-1858) was a comic actor who made his debut at Drury Lane in 1802; he played in the provinces 1809-14 before returning to Drury Lane and becoming stage manager at Covent Garden in 1829; he retired in 1852; he was twice married, secondly in 1814 to Sarah Smith whose reputation rather overshadowed his own (see her portrait, also by Lane DPG500). Samuel Lane also exhibited a portrait of the 'Infant Son of Mr & Mrs Bartley of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane', RA 1826.