Today, we will look at a sketch that has been in my collection a while, and I have now researched it at more depth. It is by artist #RobertJacobHamerton (1810-1904). Hamerton was an artist/illustrator who worked alongside illustrators like #HablotKnightBrowne and #George Cruikshank. His works appeared in collections, which included Dickens’ works. These works were often published by Bradbury & Evans, who represented (1844-1859) and published many of Dickens’ novels, including Bleak House, David Copperfield, and A Tale of Two Cities.

On the back, there is a page from an art exhibition in 1835. On this, only partially readable, is an accreditation which states (I think) Sketch 42 has been given to B. Evans by Joan Essery, witness Mr. Gray.

I believe that the B. Evans named here is none other than Bessie Evans, daughter of Frederick Evans of Bradbury & Evans publishers. I surmise that the witness, Mr. Gray was a wood engraver who worked on Barnaby Rudge. Bessie Evans married Charles Dickens Jnr in 1861. This would make the sketch by Hamerton an image of #CharlesDickens, aged 32 at the time.

We see a young Dickens with long flowing hair, well-fashioned attire, and comely appearance. He was partial to fine dress and colourful waistcoats. Only in later life would come the wild unkempt beard, the intense eyes, the rugged and tanned manly look.

I think there are enough clues leading to fair certainty that this image is of Charles Dickens. A lovely and relaxed view of the then young and emerging writer.