PREFACE.
Taking into consideration the ability of the Artist whose name has become identified with the works of Dickens, of Lever, and of Ainsworth; and who has contributed in the course of the present century more largely (perhaps with the single exception of Cruikshank) to the embellishment of popular books than any other known illustrator; it would seem an inexcusable omission, almost amounting to neglect, if the life and labours of the late Hablot Knight Browne met with no more worthy recognition than the fleeting comments of the daily press.
Such, at least, is my opinion; and as a humble tribute to the memory of an able and industrious draughtsman, and fertile designer, I place on record the more generally interesting particulars of an honourable and exemplary career.
To Mr. W. G. Browne and Dr. Edgar Browne, sons of the deceased artist, my best thanks are due for a kindly interest in my work, manifested more especially by the loan of many interesting letters dashed off on various occasions by "Phiz" in the wildest spirit of fun; and a willing consent to their appearance in print.
I have also to acknowledge the courtesy of Messrs. H. Sotheran & Co., for permission to copy for publication a few letters written by "Phiz" to Charles Dickens, which are now published for the first time. For the Portrait (copied from a photograph, perhaps the best of the very few now in existence) I am indebted to the Proprietors of The Graphic.
And lastly, the Author desires to associate with this brochure the name of his friend, Mr. George Redway, who has rendered much valuable assistance in bringing it before the public.
FRED. G. KITTON.
25, Paultons Square,
Chelsea, S.W.
August, 1882.