With reference to the following letter from Mr. Allen E. Everet, containing an application from the Birmingham Society of Artists that the picture might be exhibited at their rooms, we were given to understand that the Society awarded Walker their gold medal for the best water colour picture of the year. A like honour was bestowed by the Council of the Paris International Exhibition of 1865; in Dublin also, where it was on view, it was awarded a prize.[18]
"SOCIETY OF ARTS, "BIRMINGHAM, "_2 July, 1864_.
"DEAR SIR,--I just take the liberty of writing a line to ask if you have been able to obtain for us the loan of your fine drawing of 'Philip,' for our ensuing Exhibition, as all the members of this Society will feel most anxious to see this most interesting work on our walls this autumn? Hoping, therefore, that you will be able to oblige us,
"I remain, dear Sir, "Respectfully yours, "ALLEN E. EVERET, "_Hon. Secretary_.
Perhaps it is hardly necessary to say here that, with the exception of the first two, Walker made the entire series of illustrations to Thackeray's novel of "Philip; his way through the World," or that this picture is an elaborately finished painting from one of these designs. Walker held this gifted author in very high esteem.
In a note addressed to us, dated December 28th, 1863, we find the following passage:
"I have not been very well, and should have passed a happier Christmas but for this sad news of poor Thackeray. I have lost a good friend."
Our first knowledge of Professor Hubert von Herkomer, R.A., came to us in the form of a parcel, containing two or three drawings, through the post from Southampton. They were not very remarkable, but had sufficient skill to justify us in using his work. His development was wonderful, showing a facility of design and artistic taste far above the average. But in spite of his all-round cleverness he had severe struggles in the early days. He always had dramatic taste, and he told us that it was a chance whether he persisted in his painting or went on the stage. He is a well-trained musician--a composer as well as an executant; and one time thought of joining a Christy's Minstrel troupe. In fact, he offered himself as "bones," but there was "no vacancy," so he continued drawing and painting, getting decorative work to do at South Kensington Museum, where he did some stencilling on a ceiling, under conditions explained in the following letter: