Harry Ashby (engraver) facts for kids

Harry Ashby (born April 17, 1744 – died August 31, 1818) was a talented English artist. He specialized in writing-engraving, which means he created beautiful designs and letters on metal plates. These plates were then used to print important documents and books.

Harry's Early Years

Harry Ashby was born on April 17, 1744, in a town called Wotton-under-Edge in Gloucestershire, England. When he was young, he became an apprentice to a clockmaker in his hometown. An apprentice is someone who learns a skill or trade from a master. This clockmaker didn't just make clocks; he also engraved designs on clock faces, spoons, and even large drinking cups called tankards.

Working with the clockmaker helped Harry discover his love for engraving. After he finished his apprenticeship, he moved to London. There, he followed his passion for writing-engraving. He started working for Mr. Jefferies, a geographer in Charing Cross. Harry's main job was to engrave titles for maps and charts.

His Engraving Career

Later, Harry Ashby worked for John Spilsbury, who was also a writing-engraver. Spilsbury's business was located in Russell Court, Drury Lane. Harry eventually took over Spilsbury's business and married his widow.

Harry became very busy, creating engravings for banks in England, other countries, and even colonies. He engraved important items like bank notes and bills. Some skilled writers also hired him to engrave examples of their beautiful handwriting.

Here are some of the books for which Harry engraved the plates:

• John Hodgkin, Calligraphia Græca, published in 1794.
• William Milns, Penman's Repository, published in 1795.
• Hodgkin, Specimens of Greek Penmanship, published in 1804.
• H. Genery, Geographical and Commercial Copies, published in 1805.
• Richard Langford, Beauties of Penmanship, possibly published in 1825.
• Some of the plates in Thomas Tomkins, Beauties of Writing, published in 1809.

Later Years and Passing

In his later years, Harry Ashby lived a quiet life in Exning, Suffolk. He passed away there on August 31, 1818, at the age of 74.