Sir Walter Besant
(1836-1901), Novelist and campaigner for authors' rightsSitter in 6 portraits
Walter Besant was a novelist and campaigner for author's rights, whose best work describing social evils in London's East End helped set in motion movements to aid the poor. In 1871 Besant began a literary collaboration with James Rice, editor of Once a Week, which lasted until Rice's death in 1882; during that time they jointly produced nine popular novels. Besant's most famous novel was his first, All Sorts and Conditions of Men, based on his impressions of the East London slums. It was serialised in Belgravia in 1882 and published. He wrote a further thirty-one independent novels. Besant helped to found the Society of Authors in 1884 and edited its journal until his death.
by Archibald John Stuart Wortley
oil on canvas, 1882
NPG 2280
by Elliott & Fry
albumen print, mid 1890s
NPG P1700(66a)
by Herbert Rose Barraud, published by Richard Bentley & Son
carbon print, published 1888
NPG Ax5417
by Herbert Rose Barraud, published by Richard Bentley & Son
carbon print, published 1888
NPG x12960
by Elliott & Fry, printed by Allen & Co
sepia photogravure, mid 1890s
NPG x126490
by Elliott & Fry
chlorobromide print on cream card mount, 1896
NPG x127411
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