Lot Essay
The inscription: "John Tenniel, Junr/22 Gloster [sic] Place/New Road/Oct./43." indicates that the sketches were completed during Tenniel's early years while living in Bayswater with his family.
From an early age, Tenniel's subject matter focused on Shakespeare, the theatre, history and religion which were to remain firm favourites throughout his life. The reference to Richard II and Piers Plowman [sic], from the alliterative poem "Vision concerning Piers Ploughman" by the 14th Century English poet William Langlade, as well as the inscription referring to William the Conqueror and Edward The Confessor indicate this early interest. Armed with sketchbooks, his frequent trips to the British Museum fuelled his interest. His meticulous sketching during these visits came to fruition in the first book that he illustrated: Samuel Carter Hall's verse anthology The Book of British Ballads. Issued in two parts in 1882 and 1844, Tenniel was chosen amongst others to contribute. Rather appropriately, Tenniel provided 10 drawings for a Medieval tale of knights and a Royal Wedding of King Estmere.
From an early age, Tenniel's subject matter focused on Shakespeare, the theatre, history and religion which were to remain firm favourites throughout his life. The reference to Richard II and Piers Plowman [sic], from the alliterative poem "Vision concerning Piers Ploughman" by the 14th Century English poet William Langlade, as well as the inscription referring to William the Conqueror and Edward The Confessor indicate this early interest. Armed with sketchbooks, his frequent trips to the British Museum fuelled his interest. His meticulous sketching during these visits came to fruition in the first book that he illustrated: Samuel Carter Hall's verse anthology The Book of British Ballads. Issued in two parts in 1882 and 1844, Tenniel was chosen amongst others to contribute. Rather appropriately, Tenniel provided 10 drawings for a Medieval tale of knights and a Royal Wedding of King Estmere.