Amusing Incidents in the Life of Harry Furniss

Starting with the story of a short sketch artist getting a boost.

English illustrator Harry Furniss (1854-1925) related this amusing incident inThe Magazine of Art in 1888.

Once while covering a political event in Birmingham, his view of the speaker was blocked by a number of very tall gentlemen.

“Although close to him on the platform, I could not, being only five feet two, see over the heads of others when all stood to cheer. I mentioned this fact to my neighbor. ‘Oh, you must not miss this scene!’ he said, and quickly, without ceremony, he had me on his back, his bald head serving as an easel.”

The Firefighter Incident

During a visit to Montreal, Furniss was taken out by fellow cartoonist A.G. Racey to see the city. As they left the hotel, a fire truck passed by, prompting Racey to suggest it would make for an interesting scene to sketch.

However, when Racey turned around, he found that Furniss had disappeared. He soon returned with two large army revolvers tucked under his coat, ready for adventure. This incident not only showcased Furniss's eccentricity but also his paranoia about safety, as he felt compelled to arm himself for the outing.

There were a few other funny and revealing anecdotes about cartoonist / illustrator Harry Furniss.