Forty years of 'Spy'

by Sir Leslie Ward

Although I have caricatured a very large number of men at the bar and on the bench, I have not a proportionate number of personal anecdotes to tell of my subjects, for as I have stated, they were chiefly the result of studies from memory. As a result of my observations during criminal cases I have witnessed, I drew Sir Henry Poland, Montague Williams, Serjeant Parry (who was a great friend of Dr. Doran's and my father's), and Sir Douglas Straight (who became an Indian Judge). I was present not only at the farewell dinner given in his honour on that occasion, but also at that given him on his retirement from the editorship of the Pall Mall Gazette. In those days his great intimacy with Montague Williams (whom he frequently opposed in Court) gave them the nickname of "the Twins." After his return from the East, Sir Douglas was made editor of the Pall Mall Gazette, a post he held until a few years ago. He was an able man and a good editor. His cartoon appeared previous to his becoming a judge.

Sir George Lewis never got over his, which was the outcome of a study during the Bravo trial; and even when he was nearly eighty he admitted as much to me.

A strikingly unconventional looking man was the late Lord Grimthorpe, who came under my observation in '89; he wore a swallow tail coat, and never carried a stick or an umbrella. He had somewhat the appearance of a verger, although his was a strong, determined face. He was great in church matters, and seemed never happier than when putting up the backs of the Bishops during a debate in the Lords.

Sir James Ingham I studied, like most of my legal subjects, from memory, but to make variety from the other magistrates, I caught him in the adjoining yard and produced him in the act of deliberating in a case of cruelty to a horse.

Sir Thomas Chambers, Recorder of London, was a favourite subject (among the early cartoons), and one of my funniest caricatures. He was a delightful kind of gentleman, but owing to a chronic affection of his eyes, always carried his handkerchief in his hand to wipe away a tear, looking all the while as though he had lost his best friend.

Sir Charles Hall, who followed Sir Thomas as Recorder of London, was a great social success, and a favourite in Royal circles. He was as popular at the Garrick Club as he was in country houses. I met him first at Glen Tanar while on a visit to Sir William Cunliffe Brooks, where I shot my first stag. He was an exceptionally fine rifle shot, and "brought down" many there.

Lord Halsbury, a late Lord Chancellor, was another subject for whom I have the greatest admiration, and he is one of the very remarkable men of the day. His eye is as bright and his brain as clear as it ever was.

Sir Alfred Cripps (now Lord Parmoor), was very amusing to study and to draw, and my sketches of him fill a book. I believe he is in himself quite as fascinating a person as his varying expressions in Court led me to find him.

Sir Herbert Cozens-Hardy, Master of the Rolls, is another characteristic subject. Three times I have done him in various capacities for Vanity Fair.

Lord Robert Cecil I caught as he walked up and down Whitehall in wig and gown, during the South African case upon which he was at the time engaged.