While the illustrations to "Shakespeare" were in progress we had two sets of engraver's burnished India proofs taken by skilled hands, under our own special care, before the wood blocks were delivered to the printer. One set, we are pleased to say, is now the property of the British Museum, where they will remain in all their original beauty.
Thursday Evening
Dear Sirs,
I have just had a glance over the number of our Shakespeare's just issued, and cannot resist writing to you at once to express the very great gratification it has given me. You have indeed done your part of the work nobly, it does you the greatest credit and confirms me in the belief I always have had that no one can engrave my drawings like you can. I have written to George Routledge to the same effect.
Believe me yours truly
John Gilbert
Sir John Gilbert died at his house, Vanburgh Park Road, Blackheath, on October 5th, 1897, in his 81st year.
His brother, Mr. Frederick Gilbert, writing on his death, says, "My brother, Sir John, had a long and distressing illness, but we are thankful to think not a very painful one—he died very peacefully."