Charles Dickens at 200

In this brief letter from George Cruikshank to the Dalziel Brothers, Cruikshank request two sets of proofs of his illustrations from the Omnibus (first published in 1841) and two "ditto" of his Table-book (first published in 1845). George Dalziel and his brother Edward, sons of a Northumbrian artist, established in 1839 what became the preeminent firm of Victorian engravers. They worked with many important artists and produced the actual blocks from which illustrations were printed for the popular and expanding book and magazine trade. A wood-engraved block from about 1885 is similar to the ones made to print illustrations for Dickens’ works.

George Cruikshank. Autograph letter signed, April 4, [18]71

PRESENTED BY THE CHILDREN OF MR. AND MRS. LOUIS W. DOMMERICH

[Click images to enlarge]

WOOD-ENGRAVED BLOCK PRESENTED BY VINCENT GOLDEN