Sir Roderick Impey Murchison was the renowned geologist who identified the Silurian system. An important milestone in geology, it established the oldest fossil-bearing bedrock then known. After an unpromising start in life, Murchison?s fortunes changed in 1825 when he was admitted into the Royal Institution as a fellow of the Geological Society. He quickly became one of the most prominent members of the Society. In this fine mezzotint a copy of his book "The Silurian System" can be seen resting on his lap. However, Murchison is perhaps best known for his contribution to British imperial expansion. As president of the Royal Geographical Society (RGS), which he helped found, he was able to shape much of Britain?s overseas research effort, both in the official empire and beyond. David Livingstone dedicated his best-selling "Missionary Travels" (1857) to him in recognition of the powerful influence which he commanded in London?s scientific and political communities. Today more than twenty geographical features around the world are named in Murchison?s honour.
Henry William Pickersgill (English, 1782 - 1875)
Henry William Pickersgill was a successful portrait painter whose work was recognised as a refreshingly sober and accurate alternative to the elaborate styles of the leading portraitists. Pickersgill first studied under George Arnald and in 1805 enrolled at the Royal Academy Schools in London. The following year he exhibited his first work, a portrait of his adoptive father Henry Hall. During a prolific career that spanned 66 years, Pickersgill showed nearly 400 works at the Royal Academy and painted many more. After the death of Thomas Phillips in 1845, Pickersgill?s position as a painter of eminent men and women became almost unchallenged. A key figure in his career was his wife, Maria, who contributed to her husband?s commercial success by managing all his affairs.
William Walker (Scottish, active late 18th century)
Musselburgh-born William Walker was a Scottish engraver. He is known for his engravings of Sir Henry Raeburn's portraits of Sir Walter Scott and Raeburn himself; both prints are in the National Galleries of Scotland?s collection. These engravings are often cited as among the finest examples of stipple work ever produced. In 1815, Walker went to London and studied line engraving with James Stewart, stipple engraving with Thomas Woolnoth and mezzotinting with Thomas Lupton. He returned to Scotland in 1819, but eventually settled in London after marrying the famous miniaturist, Elizabeth Reynolds.
William Walker (Scottish, active late 18th century)
Musselburgh-born William Walker was a Scottish engraver. He is known for his engravings of Sir Henry Raeburn's portraits of Sir Walter Scott and Raeburn himself; both prints are in the National Galleries of Scotland?s collection. These engravings are often cited as among the finest examples of stipple work ever produced. In 1815, Walker went to London and studied line engraving with James Stewart, stipple engraving with Thomas Woolnoth and mezzotinting with Thomas Lupton. He returned to Scotland in 1819, but eventually settled in London after marrying the famous miniaturist, Elizabeth Reynolds.
William Walker (Scottish, active late 18th century)
Musselburgh-born William Walker was a Scottish engraver. He is known for his engravings of Sir Henry Raeburn's portraits of Sir Walter Scott and Raeburn himself; both prints are in the National Galleries of Scotland?s collection. These engravings are often cited as among the finest examples of stipple work ever produced. In 1815, Walker went to London and studied line engraving with James Stewart, stipple engraving with Thomas Woolnoth and mezzotinting with Thomas Lupton. He returned to Scotland in 1819, but eventually settled in London after marrying the famous miniaturist, Elizabeth Reynolds.
William Walker (Scottish, active late 18th century)
Musselburgh-born William Walker was a Scottish engraver. He is known for his engravings of Sir Henry Raeburn's portraits of Sir Walter Scott and Raeburn himself; both prints are in the National Galleries of Scotland?s collection. These engravings are often cited as among the finest examples of stipple work ever produced. In 1815, Walker went to London and studied line engraving with James Stewart, stipple engraving with Thomas Woolnoth and mezzotinting with Thomas Lupton. He returned to Scotland in 1819, but eventually settled in London after marrying the famous miniaturist, Elizabeth Reynolds.
William Walker (Scottish, active late 18th century)
Musselburgh-born William Walker was a Scottish engraver. He is known for his engravings of Sir Henry Raeburn's portraits of Sir Walter Scott and Raeburn himself; both prints are in the National Galleries of Scotland?s collection. These engravings are often cited as among the finest examples of stipple work ever produced. In 1815, Walker went to London and studied line engraving with James Stewart, stipple engraving with Thomas Woolnoth and mezzotinting with Thomas Lupton. He returned to Scotland in 1819, but eventually settled in London after marrying the famous miniaturist, Elizabeth Reynolds.
