Kyd "Pickwick" Water Colors, ca. 1912

Summary

Creator:
Kyd, 1856 or 1857-1937
Abstract:
Eminent 19th century water colorist, J.Clayton Clarke ("Kyd") was commissioned in 1912 to create a series of watercolors to celebrate the centenary (100th Anniversary) of the birth of British author, Charles Dickens. These watercolors were found in the Andrew L. Bouwhuis Library, ca. 1978.
Extent:
35 Watercolors (parchment)
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Eminent 19th century water colorist, J.Clayton Clarke ("Kyd") was commissioned in 1912 to create a series of watercolors to celebrate the centenary (100th Anniversary) of the birth of British author, Charles Dickens. Attributed genius, original committee members: The Earl of Rosebery, K.G.; Lord Alverstone, Lord Chief Justice of England; Alfred Lord Tennyson, President of the Royal Literary Fund; Thomas Hardy, Esq., Chairman of Authors' Society; Sir Edward J. Poynter, President of the Royal Academy; The Rt. Hon. Joseph Chamberlain; The Hon. Theodore Roosevelt, President of the United States of America; Lord Strathcona; Lord Curzan; Lord Avebury and upward of 100 other eminent lovers of Dickens.

The 35 watercolors are representations of Dickens' creations of his imaginations in the novel, Pickwick Papers. The novel was published as a serial, appearing over 20 months beginning in 1836 (May 1837 was skipped due to the death of Mary Hogarth, Dickens' sister). Each pen and ink with water color caricature has affixed to its upper back a postage stamp (gray and black engraving on cream) ascribed "A Tribute to Genius 1812-1912 Centenary Testimonial Charles Dickens, [cost 1d]."

These watercolors were located at Canisius College, Andrew L. Bouwhuis Library [ca.1978]. Through the efforts of the library, the Dickens Fellowship, Buffalo Branch, and a number of generous donors, the water colors were conserved. To prevent deterioration, the original water colors were removed from their frames (October 3, 2017), and properly stored for preservation in the Rev. J. Clayton Murray, S.J. Archives & Special Collections where they are available for research.

Biographical / historical:

Joseph Clayton Clarke (1857 — 8 August 1937), who worked under the pseudonym "Kyd", was a British artist best known for his illustrations of characters from the novels of Charles Dickens.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open to researchers without restriction by appointment.

Terms of access:

Contact Canisius College archivist for permission and copyright information.

Location of this collection:
Andrew L. Bouwhuis, S.J. Library
2001 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14208, United States
Link to repository site
Before you visit:
Researchers are welcome by appointment only Monday-Friday 10-4 pm.
Contact:
(716) 883-7000
info@canisius.edu