Fred Barnard

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Fred Barnard

Name	Fred Barnard
Birth name
Birth date	16 May 1846
Birth place	London, England
Death date	28 September 1896
Death place	Wimbledon, London, England
Alma mater
Occupation	Illustrator
Years active
Organization
Known for
Notable works	Illustrations for Charles Dickens' novels
Spouse(s)
Website

Fred Barnard (16 May 1846 – 28 September 1896) was a prominent English illustrator known for his work on the novels of Charles Dickens. His illustrations are celebrated for their vividness and ability to capture the essence of Dickensian characters and scenes.

Early Life

Fred Barnard was born in London, England, on 16 May 1846. He was the son of a silversmith and showed an early interest in art. Barnard studied at the Heatherley School of Fine Art and later at the Royal Academy Schools, where he honed his skills in drawing and illustration.

Career

Barnard began his career as an illustrator in the 1860s. He initially worked for various magazines and periodicals, providing illustrations that accompanied short stories and articles. His talent for capturing the nuances of character and setting quickly gained him recognition in the field.

Illustrations for Charles Dickens

Fred Barnard is best known for his illustrations of the works of Charles Dickens. In the 1870s, he was commissioned by the publishers Chapman & Hall to create illustrations for a new edition of Dickens' novels. Barnard's illustrations were included in the "Household Edition" of Dickens' works, which was published between 1871 and 1879.

Barnard's illustrations for Dickens are noted for their dynamic composition and attention to detail. He had a unique ability to bring Dickens' characters to life, capturing their personalities and the social context of the stories. His work on novels such as "David Copperfield", "Bleak House", and "Nicholas Nickleby" is particularly acclaimed.

Style and Technique

Barnard's style was characterized by its realism and expressiveness. He often used pen and ink, which allowed for detailed line work and shading. His illustrations were not only visually appealing but also conveyed the emotional depth and social commentary inherent in Dickens' writing.

Personal Life

Fred Barnard married Alice Faraday, the niece of the famous scientist Michael Faraday, in 1870. The couple had several children. Despite his professional success, Barnard struggled with depression throughout his life.

Death

Fred Barnard died on 28 September 1896 in Wimbledon, London. His death was a tragic accident; he drowned in the River Thames, an event that was widely reported in the press at the time.

Legacy

Barnard's work remains influential in the field of illustration. His ability to interpret and visualize literary works has inspired generations of illustrators. His illustrations for Dickens continue to be reprinted and appreciated by readers and scholars alike.

Also see

• Charles Dickens
• Illustration
• Victorian literature
• Heatherley School of Fine Art