Jane in January – Pride and Prejudice Illustrators – Jane Odiwe

 

Jane in January2

We’re in week 2 of our ‘Jane in January’ event and hope you are enjoying our special focus on “Pride and Prejudice.”

 

 


Happy New Year! I thought I’d welcome the new year in with a look at some of the illustrators of the past who have imagined and depicted Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. As some of you may know, I have a particular fondness for illustrated books, and I’m very lucky to own a few copies of Pride and Prejudice that I bought in the days when these books could be bought for a few pounds, and not the astronomical sums they fetch now.

Pride of my collection is a ‘Peacock’ edition of Pride and Prejudice, illustrated by Hugh Thomson.  He was born inIMG_5005 Coleraine, Co. Londonderry on June 1 1860 – I like to think Jane would have approved of his Irish roots! He started his working life in the linen industry, but he’d always had a talent for drawing, and at the age of 17 he went to work for a colour printer and publisher in Belfast – Marcus Ward and Co. where his skills were recognised and encouraged.

He married Jessie Naismith Miller in 1884 and moved to London working for MacMillan and Co. on the English Illustrated Magazine. Amongst his commissions that followed were illustrations for novels like Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell, The Ballad of Beau Brocade, by his friend Austin Dobson, and in 1894 the ‘Peacock’ edition of Pride and Prejudice was illustrated for the publisher, George Allen. It’s known by this name because of the beautiful gilt cover which features a peacock – a very fashionable emblem at the turn of the century, featured in interiors, fashion, and books!

After this edition for Allen he returned to Macmillan to illustrate five more of the novels, Emma and Sense and Sensibility (1896) Mansfield Park (1897) Northanger Abbey and Persuasion (1898). His drawings were exhibited on several occasions, starting with a joint exhibition with Kate Greenaway. His illustrations largely appeared in black and white, line drawings up to this point, but colour illustrations followed. Very sadly, the war years bought ill-health and hardship, and Hugh died of heart disease in London on May 7 1920.

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 Here’s one of the illustrations from Pride and Prejudice. Jane is staying at Netherfield, and is feeling a little better, enough to come downstairs to sit by the fire. I love the way Mr Bingley is tending the fire and looking at her adoringly!

Although it’s essentially a Georgian room, it has quite a feel of Edwardiana about it, in the array of sinuous vases on the shelf. Of course there was quite a revival at the turn of the century for Georgian fashion, which can be seen in interiors, furniture and clothing at the time. Anyone who watches Downton Abbey can see how there was a definite ‘looking back’ to an earlier time in the fashions of the day.

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I love this illustration of Bingley and Darcy, and have wondered how far our modern producers of films and adaptations have been influenced by this illustration from the past. The fair-haired Bingley, and the dark-haired Darcy are so well entrenched in our minds, that it would be difficult to imagine the reverse. Jane Austen rarely gives us exact details about physical description – Hugh Thomson clearly wanted to make a distinction between the two. I must admit that his Mr Darcy is one of my favourites!

 Here’s an interesting little film about Hugh Thomson and his illustrations.

The Brock Brothers, Charles and Henry were brothers and artists who both illustrated different versions of Pride and Prejudice.

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Illustration from Pride and Prejudice by Charles Brock

Charles Brock was born in Holloway, London, on 5 February 1870, and Henry in Cambridge on 11 July 1875. The brothers went to the local Church of England School before attending Grammar School. Charles studied under the sculptor, Henry Wiles, but neither of the brothers attended art school.
Charles illustrated books from 1891 and like Hugh Thomson was commissioned by Macmillan working on illustrations for Gulliver’s Travels. Later in the same year, Henry started his career working with Charles on the illustrations to a history textbook, also for Macmillan. In 1895, Charles came into direct competition with Thomson when asked to illustrate Pride and Prejudice, and in the same decade, Charles and Henry also illustrated the Dent edition of Austen’s novels.
At the turn of the century, the Brock family moved to Arundine House and  built a large studio in the garden. The brothers were both elected to the membership of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours, Henry in 1906, Charles two years later, in 1908. Charles died in Cambridge on 28 February 1938, but Henry managed to keep working for another 12 years, and eventually died on 21 July 1960.

In 2008, my dream of becoming a published author came true when Sourcebooks published Lydia Bennet’s Story. I was thrilled with the cover which featured one of Henry Brock’s illustrations.

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 It depicts the moment when Mr Denny introduces his friend Mr Wickham to the Bennet girls. Lydia and Kitty are first on the scene …

 But the attention of every lady was soon caught by a young man, whom they had never seen before, of most gentlemanlike appearance, walking with an officer on the other side of the way. The officer was the very Mr. Denny, concerning whose return from London Lydia came to inquire, and he bowed as they passed. All were struck with the stranger’s air, all wondered who he could be; and Kitty and Lydia, determined if possible to find out, led the way across the street, under pretence of wanting something in an opposite shop, and fortunately had just gained the pavement when the two gentlemen, turning back, had reached the same spot. Mr. Denny addressed them directly, and entreated permission to introduce his friend, Mr. Wickham, who had returned with him the day before from town, and he was happy to say had accepted a commission in their corps. This was exactly as it should be; for the young man wanted only regimentals to make him completely charming. His appearance was greatly in his favour; he had all the best part of beauty, a fine countenance, a good figure, and very pleasing address. The introduction was followed up on his side by a happy readiness of conversation — a readiness at the same time perfectly correct and unassuming; and the whole party were still standing and talking together very agreeably, when the sound of horses drew their notice, and Darcy and Bingley were seen riding down the street. On distinguishing the ladies of the group the two gentlemen came directly towards them, and began the usual civilities. Bingley was the principal spokesman, and Miss Bennet the principal object. He was then, he said, on his way to Longbourn on purpose to inquire after her. Mr. Darcy corroborated it with a bow, and was beginning to determine not to fix his eyes on Elizabeth, when they were suddenly arrested by the sight of the stranger, and Elizabeth, happening to see the countenance of both as they looked at each other, was all astonishment at the effect of the meeting. Both changed colour; one looked white, the other red. Mr. Wickham, after a few moments, touched his hat – a salutation which Mr. Darcy just deigned to return. What could be the meaning of it? – It was impossible to imagine; it was impossible not to long to know.

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Pride and Prejudice – illustration by Philip Gough

Philip Gough is another illustrator I really like – here’s the frontispiece of Pride and Prejudice published by Macmillan in 1951. This is quite a recent find – I looked for years for a copy and then one popped up when I wasn’t looking – isn’t that often the way? The illustration shows Lady Catherine de Bourgh arriving at Longbourn.

 

 

 

Mr Bennet makes an announcement - Chris Hammond

Mr Bennet makes an announcement – Chris Hammond

 

Chris Hammond was an illustrator working at the same time as Hugh Thomson and the Brock brothers, and a successful female artist who very sadly died young at the age of 39. She studied art in Lambeth and was accepted to study at The Royal Academy. She worked for various magazines, and exhibited at The Royal Academy, and The Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours.

 

 

 

 

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This edition of Pride and Prejudice, published by Doubleday is illustrated by Robert Ball in both colour and line drawings. You can see Bingley remonstrating with his friend Mr Darcy because he will not dance!

 

 

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This is an illustration of Jane Bennet by Robert Ball.

I hope you’ve enjoyed looking at just a few of the artists and illustrators who have made collecting these books such a joy! Have you got a favourite illustrator or edition of Pride and Prejudice?

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

43 comments

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    • tgruy on January 16, 2015 at 12:49 am
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    The rafflecopter does not work in Chrome, but I wanted to participate so I downloaded Mozilla Firefox.

    I loved the pictures!

      • Jane Odiwe on January 16, 2015 at 6:17 am
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      I’m so glad you liked the pictures!

    • Anji on January 16, 2015 at 2:06 am
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    I love illustrated editions of anything I read, Jane, not just Austen or Austenesque writing. Thanks for putting this piece together for us all, it’s a fascinating look back at the history of P&P illustrating. I wonder what an edition would look like today illustrated by a modern artist? Have you ever fancied taking on that task yourself?

    Of the three editions of P&P that I own, my favourite has to be my most recent acquisition, which features quite a lot of Hugh Thomson’s work. It’s probably the nearest I’ll come to a “Peacock” of my own. I’d have to win the lottery to make that particular dream come true, I think!

      • Jane Odiwe on January 16, 2015 at 6:20 am
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      I would love to do a whole P&P, but sadly, Angie, I really don’t have the skills to do it, though it’s very kind of you to suggest I have! Hugh Thomson was a wonderful illustrator-I hope you get your ‘Peacock’ one day!

    • Barbara on January 16, 2015 at 2:13 am
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    Thanks a lot for these books!It’s the first time I see illustrated book of our dearest Jane!! Thank you x sharing.

      • Jane Odiwe on January 16, 2015 at 6:21 am
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      I’m glad you enjoyed them, Barbara!

  1. I love this post and find the illustrations so fascinating, Jane. I do not own an illustrated edition of any of her books, but my mother does. It’s not one of these, but now I’m curious and will have to ask her who illustrated her P&P copy. 😉

      • Jane Odiwe on January 16, 2015 at 6:22 am
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      Thank you, Sophia-I’d love to know too!

    • Deborah on January 16, 2015 at 5:10 am
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    I love the overview and sampling of the different illustrators of Pride and Prejudice. I have a reprint of the Peacock Edition and believe it is as close as I will get to an authentic edition. Thank you for sharing. This has given me a greater appreciation of the illustrated editions.

    • Jane Odiwe on January 16, 2015 at 6:23 am
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    Thank you, Deborah – I think there are a few reprints around and even one on kindle, which is very reasonable!

    • Wendy Roberts on January 16, 2015 at 8:36 am
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    Thank you for sharing. The illustrations are simply beautiful!

      • Jane Odiwe on January 16, 2015 at 12:49 pm
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      Thank you, Wendy-glad you liked them!

  2. I would love to win the prize from C. Allyn Pearson – a classic hardcover edition of “Persuasion”! (But all of the prizes are wonderful!)
    I live in the United States. Email: smhparent [at] hotmail [dot] com

      • Jane Odiwe on January 16, 2015 at 12:50 pm
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      Thank you, Susan, for stopping by!

    • BeckyC on January 16, 2015 at 9:28 am
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    I have always admired the illustrations as well. Thank you for sharing!

      • Jane Odiwe on January 16, 2015 at 12:50 pm
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      Thank you, Becky-they are lovely, aren’t they?

    • Hazel Mills on January 16, 2015 at 10:45 am
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    Great article! I love the illustrated books too Jane, and my Peacock is also my prize possession. I particularly love the illustrations at the start of every chapter. Some of the later ones leave a little to be desired but they are always a talking point. Lex de Renault (Collins 1933) made both Darcy and particularly Bingley most unattractive and Maximilien Vox (NA Dent 1934) produced some interesting but sometimes strange illustrations. Edgard Cirlin World Publishing 1947) produced quite grotesque images! My favourite more modern illustrator of P&P is Lynette Hemmant (1980 World Works). I posted a couple of pictures of hers on the on the FB link. The one of Lizzy and the Gardiners approaching Pemberley has the house looking so like Lyme Park but this was drawn 15 years before the series!

      • Jane Odiwe on January 16, 2015 at 12:52 pm
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      Yes, I think it makes you appreciate how wonderful the artists I featured are, doesn’t it, Hazel? It’s a real skill being able to capture a character in an illustration. Thank you for your comments and I loved the FB pictures!

    • Sheila L. M. on January 16, 2015 at 11:11 am
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    I truly enjoyed looking at the illustrations here and viewing the video. I do not own any illustrated versions and now I buy mostly Kindle versions so have no illustrations in those purchases. What is the name of the kindle illustrated version? I would be interested in looking at that and maybe procuring such. My daughter had a peacock themed wedding so I was drawn to that book. It is just beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

      • Jane Odiwe on January 16, 2015 at 12:59 pm
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      Thank you, Sheila-I can only find the link for the kindle version in the UK-but here is the link- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pride-Prejudice-Jane-Austen-ebook/dp/B00A3IKTJG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1421430909&sr=1-1&keywords=hugh+thomson+pride+and+prejudice+dover

      There are a few copies of the hardback version on Abebooks – I have one of these-it doesn’t have the peacock on the front, but the interior of the book is the same. It’s a reproduction, but good! http://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/SearchResults?an=jane+austen&bi=0&bx=off&ds=30&kn=hugh+thomson&pn=dover&recentlyadded=all&sortby=17&sts=t&tn=pride+and+prejudice&x=97&y=9
      Hope that helps!

        • Sheila L. M. on January 16, 2015 at 4:37 pm
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        I did check out both sites but they are UK. I am going to have to go into my Barnes and Noble shop and see what they can do to obtain these. I do like the illustrations. It would be nice to own at least one copy of P&P with such. Thanks for the links. Will do so tomorrow and come back with a comment. Reading “As You Wish” now and must watch the DVD when done.

        • Sheila L. M. on January 16, 2015 at 4:44 pm
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        I looked up the publisher on line (Dover Publications, Mineola NY) and found an e-book http://store.doverpublications.com/0486139182.html on sale for $15.16 so we Americans can have a copy – Huzzah!

        Reprint of the George Allen, London, 1894 edition. Pride and Prejudice (eBook)
        By: Jane Austen, Hugh Thomson

          • Jane Odiwe on January 17, 2015 at 4:39 pm
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          Huzzah, indeed! Well done, Sheila!

    • rae on January 16, 2015 at 11:42 am
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    I have a small collection of vintage P&P. I saw the beautiful peacock edition on Ebay a few years ago, but the opening bid they wanted was over my head. I did contemplate for a few seconds there before I let it go, but it was so exquisite that I was almost willing to give up paying the mortgage in order to acquire it. LOL! To this day would love to have owned it.

    • Jane Odiwe on January 16, 2015 at 1:01 pm
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    Rae, I was lucky – my copy was not very expensive-I can’t believe how much they are now! You might be interested in the link I gave Sheila above!

    • Joy Dawn King on January 16, 2015 at 3:27 pm
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    If a picture was truly worth 1,000 words, then these serve to enhance our appreciation for the works of Jane Austen. I am with many of the other commenters who do not have an illustrated version. This does not mean that I do not want one though. Thank you so much, Jane, for sharing this. Your selections show your eye for art and design. Great post!!!

      • Jane Odiwe on January 17, 2015 at 4:40 pm
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      Thank you, Joy-what lovely comments! I hope you get an illustrated copy soon!

    • Carole in Canada on January 16, 2015 at 3:58 pm
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    Thank you Jane for this informative post of a number of illustrators of Jane Austen’s works. I have been on the look out for an illustrated book through auctions here in Canada. I did see an illustration of Hugh’s on a UK auction site from a different book other than Jane’s. I didn’t bid on it but I’m sure it would have been more than I was able to afford! I’m hopeful that one day I will own one. Thank you for the link you gave Sheila. I will check it out!

      • Jane Odiwe on January 17, 2015 at 4:41 pm
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      Ebay is a great site for a bargain, and occasionally affordable ones do come up, though sadly they seem to be more and more expensive.

    • Nicole Platania on January 16, 2015 at 4:45 pm
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    I love seeing these pictures. Thanks Jane for sharing! I can’t pick just one illustration that I enjoy the most because they are all nice.
    I used to have a pretty paperback copy of P&P with a peacock on the cover that reminds me of the first one in the post…not sure where it went!

      • Jane Odiwe on January 17, 2015 at 4:42 pm
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      Thank you, Nicole-I’m glad you liked them, and I hope you manage to find your copy!

    • Kimberly on January 16, 2015 at 5:48 pm
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    Thanks for posting these illustrations, I like them very much, indeed!

      • Jane Odiwe on January 17, 2015 at 4:43 pm
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      I’m so glad you liked them, Kimberly!

    • EvelynTost on January 16, 2015 at 8:04 pm
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    I have enjoyed the illustrations I have of P&P, but never appreciated them before your write up. Thank you so much,

    I now have identified the ones I have in 2 separate hard cover volumes, each a compilation of Miss Austen’s books, but by different publishers. They both have Hugh Thomson’s drawings in them, or at least I identified a signature at the bottom of most of the drawings(all black & white) that looks like “HT”, one published by Gramercy Books and the other published by Ann Arbor Media Group.

    Also I have an e-book of P &P I had gotten on Amazon a few months ago for only a couple of dollars, and it’s published by Top Five Books, 2013. It has color drawings by both Brock brothers in it, 24 of which are by CE Brock and 12 by H M Brock.

    I am now so excited about my collection. Thanks so much for sharing this about the artists!

      • Jane Odiwe on January 17, 2015 at 4:44 pm
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      Ooh, it sounds as if you have some lovely ones, Evelyn-thanks so much for stopping by!

    • Cindy on January 16, 2015 at 11:17 pm
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    Very nice pictures and loved the article!!

      • Jane Odiwe on January 17, 2015 at 4:44 pm
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      Thank you, Cindy-I’m glad you liked it!

    • Kathy Wallace on January 17, 2015 at 1:14 am
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    The illustrations are wonderful!

      • Jane Odiwe on January 17, 2015 at 4:45 pm
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      Thank you, Kathy!

  3. I hold out hope that I will own a fabulous illustrated edition one day! 🙂

    • Jane Odiwe on January 17, 2015 at 4:45 pm
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    Anna, I hope you do too!

    • junewilliams7 on January 21, 2015 at 7:21 am
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    THANK YOU for scanning these images! I’ve never seen most of these – only the Brock drawings, which are classic to me. Robert Ball’s works look wonderful, and now I will have to search for more of his work.

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