This summer, the Dickens Decoders turned their attention to another user of the Gurney shorthand system: the artist George Chinnery (1774-1852). Check out the results and download a transcript below; all images are courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. You can also find out more about Chinnery, his shorthand, and connections with Dickens in two guest blogs by Patrick Conner.
Sketch 1
Detail and solution
Statue of Benevolence in Sir Francis …..ton’s picture
Sketch 2: Two Chinese figures with Barber’s Equipment
Detail 2.1 and solution
to be particular about these hands and feet
Detail 2.2 and solution
they were very beautiful
Detail 2.3 and solution
June 11 (18)32
3.1 Sketch of Top of the Façade of S. Domingo’s Church
Detail and solution
Prout’s view of the Rialto to recollect
3.2 Sketch of Chinese figures
Detail 3.2 and solution
The study does…
Detail 3.3 and solution
A picture required
Detail 3.4 and solution
Hat added by it would
be excellent
Sketch 4: Studies of Chinese Porters and a Figure in Rainwear with a Cow and Calf
Detail 4.1 and solution
the hats are worn more often in rainy weather than in fine weather
Detail 4.2 and solution
hat atop of the basket
Sketch 5: Four Studies for Portraits for Western Children
Detail 5.1 and solution
The left leg of the big boy
Detail 5.2 and solution
crossed over the right
Detail 5.3 and solution
leg would be better
Detail 5.4 and solution
and the dog brought a little forward
Detail 5.5 and solution
so as to fill up the space
Detail 5.6 and solution
it would make
Detail 5.7 and solution
good and very useful Aug.15 1846
Sketch 6: Set of Mini-sketches of Figure and Animal Studies
Consult the downloadable transcript, below.
Sketch 7: Figure by a Basket
Detail 7.1 and solution
An excellent foundation for a group at a little distance as it is now the front figure
Detail 7.2 and solution
It is the right prop(ortion)
Detail 7.3 and solution
the figure cross wise