Dickens and the Artists Mark Bills, Pat Hardy, Leonee Ormond, Nicholas Penny, Hilary Underwood

A remarkably visual writer, Charles Dickens (1812-1870) emerged from a tradition where illustrations formed a significant part of both serial and book publishing. At the centenary of his birth, "Dickens and the Artists" explores the novelist's artistic opinions and connections. His tastes are manifest in his novels, his magazine Household Words and his journalism. Dickens engaged with the art of the Old Masters, commenting forthrightly on the latest changes at the National Gallery, and recording his visits to museums during his tours of Europe. As well as exploring Dickens' own views, the distinguished contributors reveal his influence on Victorian artists. He had long and close friendships with some of the leading artists of his time, including Clarkson Stanfield, Daniel Maclise, Frank Stone and William Powell Frith. These and other artists depicted scenes from his novels or drew inspiration from his subjects and characterizations that continue to influence our image of Dickensian England today.

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• This book accompanies the exhibition 'Dickens and the Artists' at the Watts Gallery (19 June – 28 October 2012)

Mark Bills is curator, Watts Gallery, and formerly senior curator of paintings, prints, and drawings, the Museum of London. He is co-editor of William Powell Frith: Painting in the Victorian Age and G. F. Watts (both Yale).

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