New-York tribune., 1903-04-25
CHARLES DICKENS.
"reminiscences By the Painter of His
Portrait
W. P. Firth, in The King,

W. P Firth. in The King.
1t was early in the SOS that John Forster
asked TO paint portrait of Dickens for him.
l gladly consented. and was bout to propose
me by mentioning what he called a most un-
fortunate propensity which Dickens had de-
veloI was actually growing a mustache!
g 'TiS just fancy of the moment" said Forster,
land we must wait till the craze has passed
away" very few months convinced us that
the mustache. SO far from passing away, was
rapidly growing into what threatened to be
formidable beard: so. unless cne-half of the face
was to be lost to us. no more time should be
lost. My idea was to paint him in his working
clothes. but when found that he always wore
light, bright blue silk coat with big red cuffs
every morning when he took pen in hand l re-
monstrated so successfully that after little
hesitation, he consented to wear the black
jacket in which he now appears at South Ken
sington.
The sittings took place at my house in Bays
water. Dickens delightful model-always
amiable. and if tired successfully hid his
fatigue Mustaches. now dreadfully common.
rare in 1856. In Dlckens's case the hand
some mouth is only partially covered. Edwin
Landseer and Dickens were fast friends, and
when Landseer, on his return from a long So
journ on the Continent, saw the beard for the
first time he took notice OF it. This puzzled
Dickens who after a while, stroking his mus
tache said How do you like this-an improve
ment eh?" Yes drawed Landseer; Its ad-
vantage is that one sees less of you
While my portrait progressing Dickens
was giving readings of his own works at the
Hanover Square Rooms. Would you to
hear ne read?" he said one day. Indeed /
should" said well. will send you tickets for
the night that the Pickwick trial comes off.
That'l do won't p" Right WELL" said l. Sam
Weller appeared in due course, but in the hands
of the author of his being he was tmid, soft
spoken creature who seemed afraid of the
sound of his voice. instead of the sef-pos
sessed, almost impudent dog he always seemed
to me- An artist friend of mine, not overbur-
dened with the riches of this world asked me to
get him tickets from Dickens for the reading.
NV friends address was given, and in due
course the tickets were sent Before the reading
took place met my impecunous friend. and on
hearing from him that the Ptckwick reading
was TO come off | warned him against disap-
pointment in re Sam Weller In the course of
sitting Dickens asked point blank II liked
his reading of the famous trial. | took my
courage in both hands and told him how disap-
pointed | was with Sam Weller. He seemed to
me- said / afraid of the sound OF his own voice;
and enlarged a little upon this All this he
took in perfect good humor: not a word in
ply. The reading took pla-e. and shortly after
net NV artist friend. WELL said I: wonder
full wasn't it?' My friend interrupted me. say
ing: What on earth did you mean by that
count YOU gave me of Sam Weller? Why. the
fellows replies came from Dickens like pistol
shotsr'
Oh OH thought I: at the next sitting | will
have this out with you my illustrious friend.
well Firth did your friend like the readng?''
'DeIighted" said l. ESPECIALLY with Sam Weller.
Altered little fancy. wasn't he? No pistol
shots when yours truly was there. sir. Mr..
Dickens" continued. this Is proud moment
for ue have always heard that you take no.
body's advice about any earthly thing. 'Oh.
nv dear fellow" the reply. "I am always
open to conviction when am wrong; but am
take escapes me. Well. yes. made Sam good
deal smarter" Thus the immortal words.
and proud or them
still possess many letters OF Dickens. among