John Hassell facts for kids
John Hassell (born around 1767, died 1825) was a talented English artist. He was known for painting beautiful landscapes using watercolours. He also worked as an engraver, drew pictures for books (an illustrator), wrote, published his own works, and taught others how to draw. He even wrote a book about his artist friend, George Morland.
John Hassell first showed his art at the famous Royal Academy in London in 1789. One of his first pieces was a 'View of Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain.' He loved to draw scenes from nature and places around him. He would then use a special printing method called aquatint to make copies of his drawings, often adding colour to them. These pictures appeared in many books about different places.
Besides creating his own art, Hassell was a popular drawing teacher. He also wrote several books to help others learn how to paint with watercolours and draw. He was good friends with another artist named George Morland. John Hassell wrote a book about Morland's life, which came out in 1800. He also made an aquatint print of Morland's drawing of 'Conway Castle.'
John Hassell's son, Edward Hassell (who died in 1852), also became a watercolour artist. Edward showed his paintings at the Society of British Artists for many years and became a member in 1841. He even served as the secretary for the society. He also sometimes showed his work at the Royal Academy and the British Institution.
Books by John Hassell
John Hassell wrote and illustrated many books during his life. He created all the engravings for these books himself using the aquatint method. Here are some of his published works:
- A Tour of the Isle of Wight (1790 - 2 volumes).
- A Picturesque Guide to Bath, Bristol Hot-Wells, the River Avon and the Adjacent Country (1793). He worked on this book with J C Ibbetson and John Laporte.
- Views of Noblemen's and Gentlemen's Seats [...] in the Counties Adjoining London (1804). This book showed pictures of large homes near London.
- Beauties of Antiquity (1806).
- Memoirs of the life of the late George Morland (London: J. Cunee, 1806). This was the book he wrote about his friend, George Morland.
- The Speculum or Art of Drawing in Water-colours (1809). A guide on how to draw with watercolours.
- Calcographia, or the Art of Multiplying Drawings (1811). This book was about how to make copies of drawings.
- Aqua Pictura; Illustrated by a Series of Original Specimens from the Works of Messrs. Payne, Munn, Francis, and Others (1813).
- Picturesque Rides and Walks, with Excursions by Water, Thirty Miles Round the British Metropolis (1818; 2 volumes). This book explored scenic routes around London.
- Tour of the Grand Junction Canal (1819).
- Rides and Walks Round London (1820; 2 volumes).
- The Camera; or Art of Drawing in Water-colours (1823). Another guide on watercolour drawing.
- Excursions of Pleasure and Sports on the Thames (1823).
- Graphic Delineation: a Practical Treatise on the Art of Etching (1830). This book was about the art of etching, a type of printmaking.
