Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Bennett, Charles Henry
BENNETT, CHARLES HENRY (1829–1867), draughtsman on wood, was born in 1829. His first sketches appeared in 'Diogenes,' a comic paper started in 1853, which had but a brief existence. They speedily attracted attention, and his pencil was afterwards occupied with a series of slight outline portraits of members of parliament which were published in the 'Illustrated Times.' Then came his 'Shadows' in 1856, followed by 'The Fables of Æsop and others translated into human nature' in 1858,and his 'Proverbs' in 1859. These were accompanied by many children's books, of which he was the author as well as the artist, and by some more serious work, amongst which was a series of illustrations to the Rev. Charles Kingsley's edition of Bunyan's 'Pilgrim's Progress,' issued in 1860. He likewise illustrated, in conjunction with George H. Thomas, Will's 'Poets' Wit and Humour,' 1861, and, with Richard Doyle, Mark Lemon's 'Fairy Tales,' 1868. He also published, with Robert B. Brough, 'The Origin of Species,' and 'Shadow and Substance,' 1860. These were republished in 1872, together with a selection of his designs for 'Poets' Wit and Humour,' under the title of 'Character Sketches, Development Drawings, and Original Pictures of Wit and Humour.' Last of all came his engagement on 'Punch,' to which he contributed numerous sketches, distinguished by their facile execution and singular subtlety of fancy. He was of an extremely delicate constitution, and died in London on 2 April 1867.
[Gent. Mag. 1867, i. 688.]