Frederick Henry Townsend
FEBRUARY 26, 1868 – DECEMBER 11, 1920
It can be difficult at times for the Sherlockian researcher to discover much about the less prominent artists who provided illustrations for the Canon. Even those who were popular in their time often leave only traces behind in the public record.
Frederick Henry Townsend is one such artist. Born in London, he studied at the Lambeth School of Art and, after graduating, became a successful illustrator. He was a frequent contributor to such respected periodicals as Punch, The Tatier, The Idler, The Pall Mall Gazette, The Illustrated London News, and The Strand Magazine Townsend also filled commissions for books, illustrating editions of Jane Eyre, A Tale of Two Cities, and The Scarlet Letter. He was hired by George Newnes and Co. to illustrate a souvenir edition of The Sign of Four, published in 1903.
Two years later, Townsend took his seat at the Punch table as its first art director. In December 1920, he died suddenly while playing golf in Hampstead. In his honour, the magazine solicited donations to Talbot House, his favourite charity. He was succeeded as art director by his brother Frank.
