Sambourne's Reference Photos

Edward Linley Sambourne (1844-1910) was an English illustrator and cartoonist who discovered the benefits of photo reference.

He joined the magazine Punch in 1871 and eventually became its principle cartoonist, replacing John Tenniel. 

Many of his cartoon illustrations for Punch can be associated with photographs of figures in costumes.

For models he enlisted the help of friends, servants, family members and local characters. At first he used Edwin Austin Abbey's studio as a place to do his photos.

Sometimes his wife or kids posed, and he often posed himself. He also recruited professional and semi-professional models, such as the local policeman.

Later he took an interest in photographing nude women, and amassed a large collection of photos of women undressed or partially undressed, though he only rarely used those photos for illustration reference.

His well preserved house in London is a fine example of Victorian style. 

It includes many of his original reference photographs and is open for touring.

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Edward Linley Sambourne on Wikipedia
Article in the Camera Club
Related previous posts: 
Charles Keene's cartoons about artists
Using Photo Reference