These are not copies or prints, these are the ORIGINAL illustration art graphite and watercolor drawing sketches on paper by John Leech (UK, 1817-1864).

Leech was a famous illustrator and caricaturist, best known for his illustrations for Punch magazine. Leech was born in London and studied medicine at St Bartholemew's hospital but after his father was declared bankrupt in 1830 he began to sell sketches and cartoons for extra income. As a medic, Leech studied anatomical drawing but he had no formal training as an artist and his drawings are typified by a lively, almost frenetic, style. Leech built up a successful career as a cartoonist and illustrator and remains best known for the work he produced for Punch magazine. He was a friend of many artists and writers of the day including John Everett Millais, William Thackeray and Charles Dickens.

These exact drawing were published in the mid-1800's. The top three drawings were published in the scarce book "JOHN LEECH'S PICTURES OF LIFE AND CHARACTER." The bottom three drawings were published in "Punch" magazine in the 1850's.

At least 3 of the drawings are hand-signed with the artist's initials, as shown.

Drawings are tipped to double-weight card stock, affixed to backer board, and then matted. Vintage mat measures 20 1/2" x 16 1/2".

Affixed to the mat, each drawing has a handwritten caption identifying the title, the publication where it appeared, the volume, page number, and date published.

These are in original untouched condition, with toning and soiling as shown. Some display better than others. No overpaint or repairs.

Guaranteed to be authentic antique hand-painted works, and not a reproduction or print.