Drawings and paintings
Here is a collection of drawings and paintings by Arthur Conan Doyle. Conan Doyle started drawing cartoons very early when he was at school. He then continued to draw in his travel's notes, in study works and in letters. In the last year of his life begun a hobby for watercolour and oil paintings.
For other handwritten pieces, see Letters, Manuscripts, Dedicaces and other writings.
Arthur Conan Doyle's art
1870~1875
The Judkin's Tragedy
This cartoon by young Arthur Conan Doyle (aged 11-16) was done during his college years in Stonyhurst around 1870-1875. It was probably published in the college magazine, the "Wasp". Everard Digby, a schoolmate, wrote: « Its style is not quite as easy and graceful as his literary style, but it possesses some character of which I can well judge, as I was his classfellow for three years. "Judkin's Adventure" was never completed, as Doyle told the literary staff of the Wasp that each could put his own conclusion to the story. Can Judkins have been the embryo of some of Doyle's heroes! Perhaps an ultimate analysis of the Brigadier Gerard would give Judkins and Baron Marbot! » [1]
1880
Log of the S.S. "Hope" (1880) : Greenland whale and seal fishing
From 28 february to 10 august 1880, the young Dr. Arthur Conan Doyle served as surgeon on the whaler Hope bound in Arctic for 6 months. During his voyage, he wrote a diary of his adventures with 54 drawings, mostly in colour.
Arthur Conan Doyle's log of the S.S. Hope (Volume 1)
Arthur Conan Doyle's log of the S.S. Hope (Volume 2)
Arthur Conan Doyle's log of the S.S. Hope (Volume 3)
1881
Licensed to Kill
Arthur Conan Doyle self-portrait, depicting himself holding his diploma aloft, inscribed below "Licensed to kill". He was graduated Bachelor of Medecine (M.B.) and Master of Surgery (C.M.) from Edinburgh University on 1st of august 1881.
Voyage of S.S. Mayumba
From october 1881 to january 1882, Arthur Conan Doyle served as surgeon on board the S.S. Mayumba bound to West Africa. During his trip, he wrote an account with 15 drawings.
1882
My house
In june 1882, shortly after installing at Bush Villa, Southsea, Arthur Conan Doyle wrote to his mother Mary and attached a map of Elm Grove street to show where his house is located :
« My house : That's the place. but it is a much neater modern house, no a remarkable old hut like that. »
1883
Getting Innes' Prize
In december 1883, Arthur Conan Doyle wrote to his mother Mary adding a small sketch showing himself (the tall man) among little boys to get his little brother Innes' prize (The Lays of Ancient Rome nicely bound) :
The Mayor ; The 1st prize, The second, Third (Conan Doyle)
1889~1890
The White Company - Armour of a knight
In his notebook for The White Company, Arthur Conan Doyle draw a knight detailing every part of his armour.
1894
Round the Red Lamp
On 4 june 1894, Arthur Conan Doyle wrote a letter to Algernon Methuen (publisher of Methuen & Co.) suggesting a title for the cover of the collected stories with a quick drawing. He first thought about Under the Red Lamp.
1897
Mailing from Haslemere to Chicago
In january 1897, Arthur Conan Doyle wrote a letter to Herbert S. Stone including a sketch illustrating the path of the mailing from Haslemere (England) to Chicago (USA).
1907~1930
Windlesham: The course of a day
Arthur Conan Doyle did this cartoon while he was at Windlesham (Crowborough, Sussex). He described the course of a day in his house, beginning at 11:30am (Where is Major Wood?) and finishing at 12:30am (Conan Doyle getting the news).
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11.30 Where is Major Wood?
12.15 The laundry must be done
12.45 Those letters!
3.30 Arrange the Box room
4.30 Get the Linen Cupboard right
6.30 Waly the furniture round. -
6.45 Feed the animals
7 pm Lists of Work
10 pm To Bed! (children)
12.30 am Getting the News!
1913
Challenger portrait
In 1913, Arthur Conan Doyle draw his conception of Professor Challenger, the main character of his novels The Lost World (april-november 1912) and the The Poison Belt (april-august 1913) at this time. The annotation on the drawing was written by his wife Jean Conan Doyle.
1930
My Home-Town
In this oil painting, Arthur Conan Doyle depicted a little demon perched on a cupola conteplating a town at night.
Sparring Saloon
In this oil painting, Arthur Conan Doyle depicted a Regency sparring saloon.
« Jerry. "Sorry, Tom. Got to give you dam good hiding. »
The Old Horse
A few time before his death, Arthur Conan Doyle draw a summary of his life and depicted himself as "The Old Horse" carrying a lot of souvenirs. Click here for details of each part of the drawing.
Undated
A Quiet Home in the Forest
« Hi! Do something! Do anything! Hit'em! Kick'em! Pull their tails! »
Other known art
We don't have the images yet
Cartoons / sketches
- Meet of Lyndhurst Beaverhounds - Waiting for the Beavers (february 1912)
- County Amusements. Bubb planting at night in the rain (30 november 1926)
- Cows in the drive
- May I introduce the new staff!
Paintings
- Cataclysm and destruction by volcanos (1930)
- Scenes of cottage garden (1930)
- Viking landing party (1930)
- MacBeth on the Blasted Heath (1930)
- ↑ in documents held by The Stonyhurst College.
