The success stories of talented individuals are inspiring, filling us with hope that anything is possible. Reading about their achievements inevitably makes one reflect on their own career, leading to thoughts of self-improvement, development, and honing professional skills. At the same time, the biographies of famous figures are also fascinating from a human perspective. It’s hard to disagree that learning about the lives of particular individuals is incredibly interesting. Find out more at edinburghski.
In this respect, Edinburgh is a special city, as it has been home to many successful people who made a name for themselves on the world stage. John Proctor is one of them. This British artist achieved enormous fame, driven not only by his numerous illustrations and paintings but also by his political caricatures. It was these that made the artist truly renowned.
His work is also known for his book illustrations. Notably, Lewis Carroll himself favoured Proctor’s candidacy to create the unique pictures for his book Alice Through the Looking-Glass.
However, the collaboration between these two talented men never came to be. Why? You can read about that just below.
Training, Relocation, and the Start of a Career
The future artist was born in Edinburgh on 26 May 1836. Although John’s parents were far from artistic, this did not stop the boy from showing considerable ability in this area from an early age. He eventually became one of the best pupils of William Banks, under whom he studied the art of engraving for six years.
In 1859, John decided to move to London. At that time, he described himself as a man with a very limited artistic education but with grand ambitions and numerous sketches.
Proctor’s first independent career steps were as a graphic journalist for the Illustrated London News. However, word of the young artist’s talent soon spread far beyond London.
As a result, in 1874, John received an invitation to St. Petersburg to use his talent to depict the best moments of the royal wedding of Prince Alfred and Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna.
Collaboration with Major Publications
Between 1861 and 1867, Proctor was a regular artist for the major book publisher Cassell. He also periodically collaborated with Cassell’s Illustrated Family Paper and, of course, worked on illustrations. Notably, he created pictures for Bright Thoughts for the Little Ones.
In addition, John also worked with The London Journal and the Seven Days Journal.
A Failed Business and a Return to His True Calling
It is worth noting that in the 1860s, Proctor, along with Charles Gibbon, became the owner of the newspaper Empire.
However, as it turned out, an entrepreneurial streak was not John’s greatest skill. Despite his enthusiasm and efforts, the publication never became successful.
Having finally recognised his true artistic calling, the artist began creating caricatures for Judy; or, the London Serio-comic Journal in 1867. From 1868, he started illustrating the weekly periodical Moonshine, a collaboration that lasted until 1877.
John achieved great success with his work for the publications Young Folks and Funny Folks. These later gained the status of being the first British comics.
A Pseudonym as a Form of Creative Expression
Like many creative people, John tried “trying on” pseudonyms during his career. Notably, many of his significant works for the journal were signed as “Puck”.
Among Proctor’s most vivid and famous illustrations are the drawings for the book Giant-land; or, The Wonderful Adventures of Tim Pippin. Their importance in the artist’s career was immense, and the edition itself was periodically reprinted right up until the 1940s.
Turning Down a Famous Author
The year 1868 marked an important event for John. It was then that Lewis Carroll himself approached him. The artist was commissioned to illustrate the book Alice Through the Looking-Glass. Proctor replied that he was very busy and, unfortunately, had to decline. In his place, the drawings for the famous work were created by John Tenniel.
Proctor later revealed that the real reason for his refusal was that Lewis Carroll was notoriously difficult to work with.
A Fine Balance of Work and Leisure
Overall, it is worth noting that John’s popularity at the end of the 19th century was colossal. He was invited to illustrate many books, often having to complete at least two large commissions a week. But despite his tight schedule, Proctor always knew how to find time for rest and entertainment. He was a member of both The Whitefriars Club and The Savage Club, where he socialised with famous actors, artists, and other members of the Victorian bohemian scene.
Thus, John Proctor can rightly be called one of the most brilliant representatives of the creative elite of his time. His illustrations demonstrated his undeniable talent, and his numerous commissions proved his widespread recognition and respect.
- https://john-adcock.blogspot.com/2009/11/john-proctor-1836-1914.html?m=1
- https://john-adcock.blogspot.com/2012/11/humorists-of-pencil-john-proctor.html?m=1
- https://www.victorianweb.org/art/illustration/proctor/bio.html
- https://www.grantonline.com/proctor-family-genealogy/proctor-adam-1797/children/john-proctor-1836.htm