Samuel Alken facts for kids

Samuel Alken Sr. (born October 22, 1756, died November 9, 1815) was a talented English artist. He was especially good at a new art method called aquatint. He was born and lived in London.

Samuel Alken's Artistic Journey

Samuel Alken started his art training in 1772. He joined the Royal Academy Schools in London. There, he studied to become a sculptor.

In 1779, he released his own book. It was called A New Book of Ornaments Designed and Etched by Samuel Alken. He soon became very skilled in a new art technique. This method was known as aquatint.

What is Aquatint?

Aquatint is a special way to make prints. It creates images that look like watercolor paintings. Artists use acid to make different shades and tones on a metal plate. Samuel Alken was one of the best at this new technique.

Famous Works and Collaborations

Samuel Alken created many prints for other artists. He made plates based on drawings by famous painters. These included George Morland and Richard Wilson. He also worked with Thomas Rowlandson and Francis Wheatley.

In 1796, he helped publish a book of views. It was called Sixteen views of the lakes in Cumberland and Westmorland. He made the plates from drawings by John Emes and John Smith. Two years later, in 1798, he made more aquatint views. These showed scenes from North Wales. They were based on drawings by Reverend Brian Broughton.

See also

• Henry Thomas Alken