Pen illustration by E.A. Abbey 

When Ernest H. Shepard (1879-1976) was a younger, aspiring artist, he dreamed of assembly the reigning king of pen-and-ink illustration, Edwin A. Abbey (1852-1911).

E.H. Shepard, illustration for A.A. Milne

Shepard first met Abbey whereas a pupil on the Royal Academy Colleges, however he additionally went to fulfill the grasp painter and pen draughtsman in his studio:

“Abbey was already one of many world’s most distinguished artists, nevertheless it was his incomparable illustrations in line to Previous English Songs, and the Comedies of Shakespeare, which made him the excellent idol of all younger illustrators of his time. Shepard acknowledges his deep gratitude to Abbey, who confirmed him what black and white work actually meant. All of us knew Abbey’s enchanting work can simply perceive the affect which it had on Shepard’s personal swish expertise. That affect has remained. Shepard’s line has at all times been delicate and delicate, and his feeling for environment particularly notable. Abbey was most beneficiant in his encouragement, and, deciding on one of many younger man’s drawings, insisted on sending it to Punch, with a powerful advice. That drawing was accepted, and Shepard started so as to add a really nice chapter to the historical past of illustration.”

Shepard would later develop into the beloved illustrator of Winnie the Pooh and The Home at Pooh Nook.

Wikipedia on E.H. Shepard and E.A. Abbey 

Quote from The Artist Journal, Could 1941 (Thanks, James W.) 

Books: The Drawings of E.A. Abbey and The Work of E.H. Shepard