Alfred Austin
(1835-1913), Poet LaureateSitter in 10 portraits
Austin studied and practised law for several years before turning to the writing of literature. He published his first major poetic work, The Season: a Satire, in 1861. Austin went on to publish over forty volumes of verse, prose idylls, novels, and books of criticism. However, his poetry was not highly regarded by his contemporaries, and is now little remembered. In 1866 Austin became a leader writer for the Standard, a position he held for over thirty years. He also edited the National Review for several years. Austin succeeded Alfred, Lord Tennyson as Poet Laureate in 1896, although his appointment was probably based more on his services to the Tory party than on his poetic ability.
by Unknown photographer
albumen print, circa 1894
NPG P1700(12c)
by Sir Leslie Ward
watercolour, published in Vanity Fair 20 February 1896
NPG 1768
by Sir Leslie Ward
watercolour, variant of drawing published in Vanity Fair 20 February 1896
NPG 4845
published by Ogden's
cigarette card, published circa 1896-1907
NPG x197018
Alfred Austin ('Men of the Day. No. 642.')
by Sir Leslie Ward
chromolithograph, published in Vanity Fair 20 February 1896
NPG D44791
by Paul Hermann Naumann, after James Russell & Sons
wood engraving, published in the Illustrated London News 23 January 1897
NPG D45896
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