E. K. Johnson
Edward Killingworth Johnson (1825 – 1896), also known as E. K. Johnson, was an illustrator, engraver, and photographer. He was born on 30 May 1825 in Stratford-le-Bow, England. In 1839 Johnson was apprenticed to wood engraver John Orrin Smith (1799–1843) and later his partner William James Linton (1812 – 1897). Smith and Linton worked on many commissions for The Illustrated London News throughout the 1840s. The Pre-Raphaelites inspired Johnson’s artistic style. Johnson exhibited at the Royal Academy, the Society of Painters in Water Colours, the American Society of Painters in Water Color, and the British Fine Art sections from the Philadelphia Exhibition and Paris Universal Exhibition. He is possibly best remembered today for executing the earliest illustrations for Haggard’s She, serialized in The Graphic between October 1886 and January 1887. Johnson married Hannah Reynolds (b. 1851) in November 1871, and they had three children, Gyles Alington (b. 1872), Hannah Barbara (b.1875), and Richard Spencer Johnson (b. 1875). Johnson died on 7 April 1896.
Further Reading
Christie, Manson & Woods. Catalogue of the remaining works and artistic accessories of that eminent water-colour painter Edward Killingworth Johnson, deceased ... : and drawings, the property of a gentleman, deceased and a few old drawings, from different sources. London: Christie, Manson & Woods, 1897. Print.
“Edward Killingworth Johnson.” The Meadows Family Tree. 16 Oct. 2013. Web.
Illustrations by E. K. Johnson
A beam from the setting sun pierced the stygian gloom, and smote upon the point of rock whereon we lay.. She, A History of Adventure. 1st US edition. 1887
As we were returning, Billali met us.. She, A History of Adventure. 1st US edition. 1887
As we were returning Billali met us. She, A History of Adventure. The Graphic, vol. 34, no. 889. 11 December 1886
A tall man of about thirty, with the remains of great personal beauty, came hurrying in, staggering beneath the weight of a massive iron box. She, A History of Adventure. The Graphic, vol. 34, no. 879. 2 October 1886
At last the lock yielded, and the casket stood before us. She, A History of Adventure. The Graphic, vol. 34, no. 880. 9 October 1886
Ayesha turned towards it, and stretched out her arms to greet it. She, A History of Adventure. The Graphic, vol. 34, no. 891. 25 December 1886
'Behold the house of She-who-must-be-obeyed,' said Billali. 'Had ever a queen such a throne before?' 'It is wonderful, my father,' I answered. She, A History of Adventure. The Graphic, vol. 34, no. 884. 6 November 1886
Even now, mayhap, She heareth us. She, A History of Adventure. The Graphic, vol. 34, no. 888. 4 December 1886
Holly explores the silver casket.. She, A History of Adventure. 1st US edition. 1887
I drew my revolver, and fired it by a sort of instinct straight at the diabolical woman who had been caressing Mahomed. She, A History of Adventure. The Graphic, vol. 34, no. 882. 23 October 1886
I sprang to my feet with a yell of horror, and, drawing my revolver, fired it.. She, A History of Adventure. 1st US edition. 1887
'It is safe,' she called. She, A History of Adventure. The Graphic, vol. 34, no. 890. 18 December 1886