01 Jan 1853. Mr. Topham (age 44) called on me in Gt. Russell St., looked over my drawings; recommended me candidly not to try for the Old Water-Colour Society this season. Hoped Anthony and I would join him in Spain this summer. Drew at Clipstone St. for 1½ hrs. Last sitting of Miss Nicholl. She has been sitting to D. G. Rossetti (age 24) in a sitting posture.

06 Jan 1853. To Rossetti's (age 24), Blackfriars Bridge. Met there W. Holman Hunt (age 25), J. E. Millais (age 23), J. P. Seddon (age 25), Clayton (age 25), Munro (age 27), whose charming group of Francesca and her lover was in Rossetti's studio, Stephens, Blanchard, C. Lucy, a Scotchman and a foreigner. Millais (age 23) somewhat egotistical and little real, his attention being easily distracted. He jerked out some good remarks. Spoke highly of Ruskin (age 33) as a friend of Art; said that Mrs. R (age 24). was sitting for one of his pictures¹. Hunt (age 25) struck me as a thoroughly genuine, humorous, good-hearted, straightforward English-like fellow. Said he was bound for Syria before long. Millais spoke highly of Charles Collins (age 24) as a good religious man?

Note 1. Probably "The Order of Release".

21 Jan 1853. Mr. Duncan (age 49) and Mr. Topham (age 44) called on me and gave me, particularly the former, some useful hints on my drawings.

26 Jan 1853. January 26. Tom Seddon (age 31) called on me and said he and Gabriel Rossetti (age 24) had been speaking about me and thinking it would be good for me to try painting in oil.

28 Jan 1853. Went to Gabriel Rossetti's (age 24) studio to see his Annunciation picture, which was exhibited at the National Institution the year I was laid up with my hip. He has been painting on it since, and sent it off (to Dublin) whilst I was there. The Virgin one of, if not the most exquisite conception I have yet seen, her head, golden hair and blue eyes (although painted from his sister [Christina Georgina Rossetti (age 22)] who is darkish) full of intense thought and awakened and growing religious awe, almost my ideal of a woman's head, and much like Lizzie Ridley. The white drapery with which she is clad beautifully treated. The Angel standing upright in a long robe unsubstantial and with flames under his feet not so satisfactory. I asked him to get me a cast of Woolner's (age 27) model for a monument to Wordsworth and of his medallion of Carlyle, and commissioned of him a drawing from Dante. Had a long chat with him about Turner, for whose work I was sorry and surprised to find he had not the highest possible admiration.

05 Mar 1853. Drew at Clipstone St. from black man, my study of whom drew more commendation from sundry of the members than any hitherto. Also drew from a white pony. Took tea with "Animal Class". Warm discussion touching Ruskin and his views between self and Ed. and Walter Goodall; the two latter designating him a man of no talent and a mere strinoer together of words. There is no doubt as to who are the muffs? Duncan was silent.

13 May 1853. Mr. Moxon the lawyer entertained us (at the Ridley's) by a description of Leigh Hunt's habits and practices, assuring us that the character of Skimpole in Bleak House, his prototype, is not at all exaggerated by Dickens. Hunt, most delightful and fascinating in company, but the day after the amused guest is pretty sure to receive a specious note from Mrs. Hunt, purporting to be without the cognisance of Mr. H., lamenting that some evil individual has put in execution in their house, and if Mr. So and So would kindly add £10 or so to the 20 or 30 lent by Messrs. So and So, it would relieve the family of much distress, etc. Mr. Moxon said that Leigh Hunt regularly existed in this way, contriving to have a Sheriffs' Officer in the house.

20 Sep 1853. (Father's death.)

23 Sep 1853. Lamentable (27th) anniversary of my birthday ; most bitter thoughts arise when I reflect on my age and on the little, or rather nothing, I have done, and of this little to what good purpose? This has much to do perhaps with my unhappy state of mind.