A colourful Life - Illustrations by Richard André

Last weeks 'doggy treats' post featured a book by Juliana Horatia Ewing called Papa Poodle & other pets. I purchased Papa Poodle along with sixteen other books from the same series each published between 1883 and 1885. The books were written by Juliana Horatia Ewing, and illustrated by R. (Richard) André.  I didn't know anything about the illustrator, but a little research suggests he led quite a colourful life;

Richard André, born William Roger Snow on 6th March, 1834 was the eldest son of a prominent London family. He entered Cambridge University in 1854, but unknown minor infractions forced him to leave the university within the year. In 1855, after spending his large inheritance, Snow joined the army and travelled the world. He published his first work in 1860. Titled Sketches of Chinese Life & Character, it was based on his observations and experiences while living in Hong Kong. By the early 1870s, Snow had become a playwright. By 1875, both his marriage and his military career came to an abrupt end as a result of his infidelities, causing him to assume an alias. Working as Clifford Merton, Snow began a prolific career as a writer and illustrator of children’s literature until his abandoned wife discovered his alias. After their divorce, Snow changed his name again. Thereafter known as Richard André he collaborated with the children’s author Juliana Horatia Ewing, his success as an illustrator continued on after Ewing’s death in 1885. André eventually branched out into photography and printing and became a successful businessman. He died in 1907 at the age of seventy five.    *Source; Drawn to Enchantment Original Children's Book Art in the Betsy Beinecke Shirley collection, Yale University.

A colourful life echoed in these wonderfully colourful illustrations;

From Master Fritz (now sold, thank you for your interest)

From The Three Little Nest-Birds (now sold, thank you for your interest)

From Our Garden (now sold, thank you for your interest)

From The Mill Stream (now sold, thank you for your interest)

From Dolls Housekeeping (now sold, thank you for your interest)

From Grandmother's Spring (now sold, thank you for your interest)

From Mother's Birthday Review (now sold, thank you for your interest)

From Touch Him If You Dare. This is my favourite illustration. The title 'Touch him if you day' is referring to the little hedge-pig (a young hedgehog) in the corner of the picture.

Thanks for your visit, happy reading!

The featured books are now sold, thanks for looking.