Autograph letter signed by illustrator Richard Doyle about a sketch

DOYLE, Richard (1824-1883). Autograph letter signed concerning an illustration commissioned for publishers William Blackwood and Sons. 54 Clifton Gardens, Saturday, ND.
 
Single sheet, written on one side only, 180 x 115 mm. Old folds, with strips of mounting paper and associated residue to the reverse; otherwise very good.
 
Doyle encloses one of his designs for work intended for the publishers Messrs Blackwood and discusses the amount of labour required: “The whole size will have as much or nearly as much work.” He asks for the sketch to be returned on Monday, when the recipient’s manager can receive another drawing. Signed in full with Doyle’s characteristic sweeping underline.
 
The letter shows Doyle engaged in the practical business of book illustration. William Blackwood and Sons published several books containing Doyle’s illustrations, notably editions of The Book of Ballads, although the particular project discussed here has not been identified.
 
Richard Doyle was a leading Victorian illustrator and caricaturist. He joined Punch in 1843 and designed the magazine’s celebrated crowded cover, while his later work became particularly associated with fairies, elves and the supernatural. His best-known illustrated book was In Fairyland, published in 1870. He was also the uncle of Arthur Conan Doyle.