Hugh Thomson, Jane Austen Illustrator

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Hugh Thomson, Jane Austen Illustrator

December 5, 2007 by Vic

Project Gutenberg has scanned a Sense and Sensibility novel illustrated by Hugh Thompson. “You can view all of Hugh Thomson’s illustrations in this complete edition. Only the illustration on p. 290 (“I was formally dismissed”) is missing, and the introduction by Austin Dobson seems incomplete and ends abruptly.” (From PG foreword)

Mr. Dashwood Introduced Him, Fronticepiece

Hugh Thomson was one of the most popular and successful book illustrators of the Victorian era. He was born in Ireland in 1860, where his skills as an illustrator were recognized when he was still a teenager. Hugh was trained by John Vinycomb, the head designer at Marcus Ward & Co, a prominent Belfast publishing house. He moved to England, where he worked for MacMillan & Co. from 1883 and on, illustrating all six of Jane Austen’s novels and other literary classics. By 1900 he had become one of the most popular illustrators of his time. He died in 1920.

His son’s son is a child four years old

Learn more about the artist at these sites:

18 Responses

on December 5, 2007 at 20:18 balkan

Beautiful illustrations!
And great work, this blog!
on December 7, 2007 at 14:59 Arti

Thanks for producing an informative blog. I’ve just returned from a visit to BATH. Walking the paths JA had trodden and beholding the sights she had seen have heightened my appreciation for her works, without having to resort to imagination, however potent it can be. I’ve some fresh pictures from my travel posted under Jane Austen’s Bath in my Blog, you’re most welcome to visit.
on December 14, 2007 at 15:32 MissDaisyAnne

Thank you, I also enjoy the illustrations in Dickens novels.
on March 6, 2008 at 13:07 Illustrated Jane Austen « Jane Austen’s World

[…] Click here to read my other post about Hugh Thomson […]
on May 27, 2008 at 05:41 William Lyon Phelps: Jane Austen’s First Publicist « Austenprose

[…] new public demand, publishers produced finer bindings with illustrations by the Brock brothers and Hugh Thomson, and include prefaces and introductions by leading scholars of the […]
on January 7, 2009 at 03:50 Austen Illustrator: Maximilien Vox « Austenprose

[…] different in style than his famous Victorian predecessors the brothers C. E. & H. M. Brock, or Hugh Thomson. By 1933, the Art Deco movement that had originated in Paris was in full swing, inspiring Monsieur […]
on March 10, 2009 at 23:06 Austen Illustrators: Niroot Puttapipat « Austenprose

[…] we have seen varied degrees of success at this attempt by prominent artists of their time; however Hugh Thomson, Charles E. Brock and Chris Hammond are prime examples of those who I feel have excelled. Recently, […]
on April 25, 2009 at 11:27 Jane Austen Illustrator: Joan Hassall’s Wood Engravings « Jane Austen’s World

[…] E. Brock and Hugh Thomson are better known illustrators of Jane Austen’s novels. I find it interesting that Joan […]
on July 23, 2009 at 09:29 Hugh Thomson Drawings of England « Jane Austen’s World

[…] Hugh Thomson, Jane Ausen Illustrator Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)Austen Illustrated: Chris HammondHugh Thomson’s Illustrated PRIDE & PREJUDICEAusten Illustrated: Ann KronheimerFinding Passion in Jane Austen – TIME […]
on November 2, 2009 at 20:21 justin hammond

Good morning my name is Justin, and i live in Sydney.
I have a novel from Pride and Prejudice which i found in a book store.
It has 1894 printed on it and a comment which reads
( To J COMYNS CARR In Acknowledgement of all i owe to his friendship and advice,these illustrations are greatfully inscribed, HUGH THOMSON).

I was wondering if it may be worth something.

Regards,

Justin Hammond
1-246 rocky point road ramsgate
Sydney NSW
2217
0405495180
- on November 3, 2009 at 11:06 Vic
  
  Justin, I would take it to an antique bookseller. If it is in excellent condition, it might well be worth more than its face value. Vic
  - on November 17, 2009 at 03:29 Steve
    
    Hi Justin,
    
    Do you still have it?
    If you do, I would be keen on having a look at it, and if it is in good condition (and we agree on a price) buying it.
    Let me know.
    
    Steve
    Melbourne
- on May 26, 2011 at 17:27 Sue
  
  Justin – did you ever sell the book, and if you did, do you mind telling me for how much? I have the SAME book, same date, and SAME exact inscription!
  - on October 7, 2012 at 16:11 Barbara Matthews
    
    I have one too, bought in the UK more than 20 years ago, and given to me as a present, thought to be an early copy. It is now with me in Canada. Blue, black cover, rough cut pages, peacock with 1894 in feathers on Title page with tissue protection page.
on November 10, 2009 at 06:08 Barbara Howard

Hugh Thomson was a disciple of Randolph Caldecott 1846 -1886
whose illustrations of coaches,hunting scenes, humorous incidents closely resembled Caldecott’s . However, of course Hugh soon developed his own, very delightful style. I collect books mainly, on or about, illustrators but if I buy any more books my book-cases will collapse.
I would treasure it if I were you or find whether there is a Hugh Thomson Society who most definitely would appreciate it.
on November 25, 2009 at 16:10 Patrick J Carr

Justin
Did you manage to sell book,if you did could you give me value of book as I have one similar.Would appreciate.
on May 30, 2012 at 10:23 Razão e sentimento ilustrado | Projeto gráfico | Jane Austen em Português

[…] ilustrações são de Hugh Thomson e seguem a ordem proposta na digitalização do projeto Gutenberg, da edição de 1902 da […]
on June 26, 2012 at 01:33 SICKA THAN AVERAGE | Out Of Print Clothing “Pride And Prejudice” Sweatshirt — Austen Chic

[…] and Prejudice” sweatshirt, which features the novel‘s original book art, designed by Hugh Thomson (who also illustrated Austen’s Sense and […]