The Life and Work of Kenny Meadows
Joseph Kenny Meadows, known professionally as Kenny Meadows, was a British caricaturist and illustrator. Born in Cardigan, he was the son of a Naval officer and spent much of his life in Camden Town. His artistic career was marked by a humorous bohemian style, and he became a prominent figure through his contributions to Punch, where he worked closely with John Leech. His work for the publication spanned several volumes between 1843 and 1844.
Meadows was noted for his illustrations of scenes from Shakespeare's plays, a subject he continued to depict throughout his life. In 1843, he published a volume of these illustrated scenes, which was particularly well received in Germany. His drawings often featured a specific symbol: a butterfly at the mouth of a cannon, representing peace. Beyond his Shakespearean works, he contributed to The Illuminated Magazine and provided illustrations for the Christmas editions of the Illustrated London News.
Personal Life and Professional Circles
A social and outgoing individual, Meadows was known to be a night owl who enjoyed the company of friends. He maintained friendships with several prominent writers, including:
- Charles Dickens
- Henry Vizetelly
- William Godwin
His professional life was also connected to other notable figures through his acquaintance with Douglas Jerrold, which led to his work on the project Heads of the People in 1840. This project included contributions from William Makepeace Thackeray and Leigh Hunt. In his private life, he was married to the sister of the artist Archibald Henning.
