Hablot Knight Browne (1815-1882)

Hablot Knight Browne was an artist and illustrator who used the literary pseudonym 'Phiz'. He met Charles Dickens in 1836 and subsequently illustrated ten of his books including 'David Copperfield' and 'Bleak House'. He contributed to the satirical magazine 'Punch' and illustrated books written by Charles Lever and William Harrison Ainsworth.  

"…as a hunting man I could not perpetuate such an

absurdity"

In his letter to an unnamed recipient, likely to be Sampson Low, Hablot Knight Browne describes in some detail alterations to drawings he has made to accompany a humorous poem by Lindon Meadows, whose real name was Charles Butler Greatrex (1832-1898). The poem 'Dame Perkins and her Grey Mare' was published by Sampson Low, Son & Marston in 1866. Browne also refers to the lithographer Vincent Brooks (1815-1885) who reproduced the illustrations in the book.

Read Hablot Knight Browne's letter [opens in a new window]

Image Rights: © Sepia Times /Getty Images