Note 36 — JOHN LEECH
Reading edition
Concerning this design, of which a facsimile is given in the Victoria edition of "The Pickwick Papers," 1887, a correspondent received the following interesting communication from a representative of Dickens's publishing firm:—
"May 2nd, 1888.
"Dear Sir,—The history of the drawing by Leech of 'Tom Smart and the Arm-chair' is, that at the time there was a difficulty about the artist for illustrating 'Pickwick,' Mr. Leech sent it in as a specimen of his ability to illustrate the work. This was in the year 1836, and it was in the possession of my predecessor, Mr. Edward Chapman, until twenty-five years ago, when it came into my possession.—Faithfully yours,
Fred Chapman."