Thomas Bewick

Bust of Bewick on the site of his workshop in St Nicholas churchyard, Newcastle

Thomas Bewick (c. 11 August 1753 – 8 November 1828)

Much admired engraver, illustrator, and copper plate printer. Author of illustrated natural history books, including 'A History of British Birds'.

Credited with popularising a technical innovation in the printing of illustrations, producing wood printing blocks that could be integrated with metal type, but were much more durable than traditional woodcuts, providing high-quality illustration at a low price.

He had no lessons in art, and at the age of 14 he was apprenticed to Ralph Beilby, an engraver in Newcastle, where his work included engraving monograms and coats of arms on jewellery and cutlery. In Beilby's workshop he engraved a series of diagrams on wood for Charles Hutton, illustrating a treatise on measurement.

The above information is condensed from the excellent Wikipedia entry.

Buried in Ovingham churchyard.

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