Biography

Sullivan’s drawing abilities were identified at a young age and he was quickly apprenticed to the engraver, Thomas Major. His earliest signed engraving is a depiction of the Battle of Culloden, after Augustin Heckel’s drawing, dated 1746. During the 1750s Sullivan was linked to William Hogarth, engraving several of his works. From 1764-70 Sullivan exhibited miniatures and watercolours at the Society of Artists and in 1765 he was elected to the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers, and Commerce.