Happy as the Day is Long

Edward Killingworth Johnson, born on 30 May 1825 in Bow, London, emerged as a distinguished figure in the British art scene during the 19th century. The son of Richard Johnson, an Irish merchant, and Mary Meadows, Johnson was nurtured in a family with artistic inclinations, including his uncles John Masey Wright, an illustrator and watercolourist, and James Meadows, a marine painter. His early apprenticeship under wood-engraver John Orrin Smith, followed by training with William James Linton, laid the foundation for his career in wood engraving. Transitioning to painting around 1863, Johnson honed his skills at the Langham Life School, marking the beginning of his prolific contributions to illustrated periodicals such as The Illustrated London News and The Graphic. Johnson's artistic repertoire expanded to include watercolour painting, earning him membership in the Society of Painters in Water Colours in 1876. His works graced exhibitions at prestigious venues including the Royal Academy, the American Society of Painters in Water Color, and international showcases like the Philadelphia Exhibition and the Paris Universal Exhibition. Beyond his professional achievements, Johnson's personal life saw him marry Hannah Reynolds in 1871, with whom he had three children, relocating to Baker's Farm, Essex. His legacy includes the first illustrations for Rider Haggard's novel 'She' in 1887, a testament to his enduring influence in illustration. Johnson passed away on 7 April 1896 in Halstead, Essex, leaving behind a rich collection of works that continue to be celebrated.