Overall: 51.5cm (20in) x 38cm (15in)
Edwardian watercolour and gouache uniform studies of the 87th and 89th Regiments at the time of the uniform changes made under King William IV (reigned 1830-37). All signed lower right R. Simkin. Framed and glazed. Inspired by the uniform studies of Alexandre Jean Dubois-Drahonet (French, 1791–1834) commissioned by William IV, Simkin’s Officer of 87th Royal Irish Fusiliers, 1832 is more or less a direct copy of Drahonet’s portrait the Captain John Sidney Doyle (1804-1894) of the 87th Royal Irish Fusiliers (Royal Collection Trust). The 87th (Royal Irish Fusiliers) Regiment of Foot was raised in 1793. Under the Childers Reforms it amalgamated with the 89th (Princess Victoria's) Regiment of Foot to form the Princess Victoria's (Royal Irish Fusiliers) in 1881.
Richard Simkin (1850-1926) was born in Kent, served in the Artists Rifles and attended the Heatherley Art School. He was employed by the War Office designing recruiting posters and providing illustrations for the Army and Navy Gazette. He married in 1880 and lived for six years at Aldershot before moving to Herne Bay. He illustrated The War in Egypt for publisher George Routledge in 1883; and in 1888, produced a volume of illustrated verse under the title Following the Drum - Sketches of Soldier-Life in Peace and War, Past and Present. Regarded as an authority on British military uniforms, he depicted imperial and colonial troops to create such series as Types of the Indian Army for the Army and Navy Gazette in 1901, having gained much first hand information at the Colonial and India Exhibition of 1886. During his lifetime, he contributed illustrations to numerous publications including The Graphic and Boy’s Own Magazine. His work can be found in many regimental museums.