George Cruikshank (1792-1878)

George Cruikshank was a caricaturist and illustrator. He successfully satirised politicians and English society including the Royal family in popular publications. Some of his works displayed racism towards groups such as the Irish and Chinese. Cruikshank also illustrated novels by his friend Charles Dickens and other authors.  Formerly a heavy drinker, in later life he supported alcohol temperance and contributed illustrations to the National Temperance Society magazines and other similar publications. 

"Can either of you Gentlemen call upon me this evening

to talk the matter over?"

In his letter written in November 1854 George Cruikshank requests a visit from Sampson Low to discuss the nature of illustrations he has been asked to do for an unamed story or book. In 1855 Sampson Low published 'My Brother or the Man of Many Friends' by Sarah Stickney Ellis (1799-1872) (using the pen name 'an Old Author') which was illustrated by George Cruikshank. (You can see his frontispiece illustration which precedes the title page at the link above). Therefore this may be the work discussed in the letter. 

View George Cruikshank's letter [opens in a new window]

Image Rights: © National Portrait Gallery cc-by-nc-nd Elliott & Fry albumen carte-de-visite 1860s