Chapter I: Preface

The object of this memoir is to give some information as to the early work of Randolph Caldecott, an artist who is known to the world chiefly by his _Picture Books_.

The extracts from letters have a personal charm apart from any literary merit. The majority of the letters, and the sketches which accompanied them, were sent to the author's family; others have been kindly lent for this memoir by Mr. William Clough, Mr. Locker-Lampson, Mr. Whittenbury, and other friends. Acknowledgments are also due to the publishers who have lent engravings.

At the desire of Mr. Caldecott's representatives,--to whom the author is indebted for extracts from diaries and other material--the consideration of his later work is reserved for a future time.

Although the text of this book is little more than a setting for the illustrations, it is hoped that the material collected may be found interesting.

H. B.

103, VICTORIA STREET, WESTMINSTER,
_September 1886_.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

CHAP. I.--HIS EARLY ART CAREER 1

II.--DRAWING FOR "LONDON SOCIETY" 13

III.--IN LONDON, THE HARZ MOUNTAINS, ETC. 29

IV.--DRAWING FOR "THE DAILY GRAPHIC" 51

V.--DRAWING FOR "THE PICTORIAL WORLD" 67

VI.--AT FARNHAM ROYAL, BUCKS 90

VII.--"OLD CHRISTMAS" 100

VIII.--LETTERS, DIAGRAMS, ETC. 117

IX.--ROYAL ACADEMY, "BRACEBRIDGE HALL," ETC. 134

X.--ON THE RIVIERA 148

XI.--"BRETON FOLK," ETC. 165

XII.--AT MENTONE, ETC. 190

XIII.--CONCLUSION 203