Carlotta Leclercq
(1838-1893)

The English actress Carlotta Leclercq was a member of a family of actors. Her sisters Louise and Rose also followed theatrical careers, as did their three brothers, Arthur, Charles and Pierre. The six were all children of Charles Leclercq, who was, according to one source, ‘for many years favourably known in dramatic circles in Manchester and London as a skilful ballet-master, pantomimist, and stage-manager, and also, actor in a certain range of parts.’

Miss Carlotta Leclercq was connected with the Princess’s Theatre in Kean’s time, and married the actor John Nelson.

Mrs Carlotta Nelson died in Chelsea in 1893 and was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery.

The following obituary appeared in the Westminster Gazette on 11 August 1893:

'We regret to announce the death of Miss Carlotta Leclercq, the well-known actress. She formed an interesting link with theatrical glories of the past and the present. Her earliest associations were with the stage, her father having been ballet-master at Drury Lane and a provincial manager, whilst her mother was an accomplished dancer. Carlotta Leclercq is believed to have made her début when about two years old as Cora's child in "Pizarro," at Bolton, and soon afforded evidence that the profession of which she was such a juvenile member was thoroughly to her liking. She was Titania in the beautiful revival by Kean of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," when Ellen Terry (then a mere child) surprised everybody by the intelligence she displayed as Puck. In all the parts with which she was entrusted during that memorable régime Carlotta Leclercq acted with such combined ability and charm that when Kean resigned the management of the Princesses's she had no difficulty in obtaining engagements elsewhere. To the younger generation she has been known by her skilful embodiment of aristocratic old ladies.'