An Artist's Reminiscences (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from An Artist's Reminiscences<br><br>When Messrs. Methuen suggested to me that I might write my Reminiscences I was quite taken by surprise. In the midst of a busy life one does not think of such things, or if a thought of the possibility of recording ones personal happenings does occur, it is probably consigned to some dreamed-of tranquil time in days of retirement.<br><br>However, when a man begins to say "I remember," it is a sign that he has mental records of a different world from the present, and probably of actors long passed from the worlds stage.<br><br>In these revolutionary times, when changes are so rapid, it needs no great pretensions to fulness of years to have witnessed extraordinary transformations in the outward aspects of life, in manners and customs, in dress, as well as in mental attitude. A comparatively short life would be sufficient in which to have observed most extraordinary changes in the aspects of London, for instance. Twenty or thirty years ago, measured by the changes which have taken place, might well be centuries, and this would also hold good of the less obvious and less noted, perhaps, shifting of intellectual focus, to say nothing of political and social change.<br><br>The main interest of reminiscences lies, however, I presume, in the direct personal impressions a writer may be able to give of eminent persons he has met, or of scenes and movements of which he has been a witness or in which he has taken part.<br><br>As the years roll by, and new generations arise who only know the names of certain distinguished men and women, or are acquainted with them only through their works or their fame - poets, savants, artists, statesmen - first-hand information or fresh personal impressions are apt to acquire an unusual interest.<br><br>About the Publisher<br><br>Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com<br><br>This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.