Trotty Veck from The Chimes – Original Dickens Character Print by Kyd, c.1889
€ 160
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1889
Sheet size
25.4 × 18.4 cm (10.0 × 7.2 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BGCL-001-26
Condition
Original chromolithograph with slight age-toning and minor foxing around the outer margins. A small vertical mark near the left edge suggests previous album mounting. Colors remain vivid and paper is stable.
About this sheet
Trotty Veck from The Chimes – Original Dickens Character Print by Kyd, c.1889
This charming lithograph features Trotty Veck, the kind-hearted ticket-porter from Charles Dickens’ 'The Chimes', illustrated by the talented Joseph Clayton Clarke, known by his pseudonym “Kyd.” Issued circa 1889 by Raphael Tuck & Sons as part of their renowned series of Dickens character studies, this print captures the gentle dignity and simple wisdom of a lesser-known but deeply symbolic figure in Dickens’ canon.
Trotty is depicted here mid-stride, his frail figure wrapped in a green overcoat and high top hat. A striped apron suggests his humble trade, and he carries a walking stick in one hand and a small bundle or note in the other. The armband on his sleeve reads “Messenger No. 34,” highlighting his lowly occupation in Victorian society. Despite his modest appearance, his forward-leaning stance and animated expression suggest purpose and resolve—a visual nod to the moral courage that defines his character in *The Chimes*.
In the story, Trotty is visited by the spirits of church bells on New Year’s Eve, a Dickensian twist on the Christmas Carol motif. Through their visions, Trotty confronts the despair of the working class and comes to reaffirm his belief in human goodness, hope, and redemption. Kyd’s interpretation reflects this transformation, lending the character a spark of inner life and movement, hinting at both his physical toil and spiritual journey.
As with all of Kyd’s Dickens portraits, the lithograph is rendered with crisp detail and warm tonal values. The caricature is affectionate rather than mocking, imbuing Trotty with both individuality and archetypal pathos—a tribute to Dickens’ deep concern for the overlooked and undervalued in society.
Condition report: Original chromolithograph with slight age-toning and minor foxing around the outer margins. A small vertical mark near the left edge suggests previous album mounting. Colors remain vivid and paper is stable.
Framing tips: A narrow black or dark walnut frame works well for contrast, with a cream or parchment-colored mat to highlight the subtle background tones. Use UV-protective glazing to preserve the delicate color palette.
Technique: Chromolithograph Artist: Joseph Clayton Clarke (“Kyd”) Publisher: Raphael Tuck & Sons, London, Paris & New York Date: Circa 1889 Sheet size: approx. 36.5 x 26.5 cm Image size: approx. 27 x 18 cm
