John Leech
(1817-1864)

Died aged 47

John Leech (29 August 1817 – 29 October 1864) was a British caricaturist and illustrator. He was best known for his work for Punch, a humorous magazine for a broad middle-class audience, combining verbal and graphic political satire with light social comedy. Leech catered to contemporary prejudices, such as anti-Americanism and antisemitism and supported acceptable social reforms. Leech's critical yet humorous cartoons on the Crimean War helped shape public attitudes toward heroism, warfare, and Britons' role in the world. Leech also enjoys fame as the first illustrator of Charles Dickens' 1843 novella A Christmas Carol. He was furthermore a pioneer in comics, creating the recurring character Mr. Briggs and some sequential illustrated gags.

DbPedia
Wikidata Wikipedia

Commemorated on 4 plaques

Charles Dickens visited John Leech 1817-1864 humorous artist who lived here in 1849

16 Lansdowne Place, Hove, United Kingdom where they lived

John Leech (1817-1864) who in 1843-48 illustrated the Christmas stories of Charles Dickens lived here as a medical student from 1833

The Tree, 103 High Street, Crawley, United Kingdom where they lived

Whilst staying here in 1849 John Leech 1817 - 1864 Cartoonist and illustrator chief pictorial pillar of "Punch" illustrated a special shower-bath contraption erected on the beach by his friend Charles Dickens.

Hillside Cottage, Bonchurch Shute , Ventnor, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom where they stayed

Ventnor & District Local History Society Whilst staying here in 1849 JOHN LEECH 1817-1864 Cartoonist & Illustrator Chief Pictorial Pillar of 'PUNCH' Illustrate a special shower-bath contraption erected on the beach by his friend Charles Dickens

Hillside Cottage, Bonchurch Shute, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom where they stayed (1849)