John Boydell

British engraver

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July 20, 2026

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John Boydell was a prominent British engraver and publisher in the 18th century. He played a significant role in promoting British art by commissioning and publishing engravings of works by contemporary British painters. Boydell's ambitious project, the Shakespeare Gallery, aimed to illustrate all of Shakespeare's plays, making him a key figure in the development of printmaking and art patronage in Britain. His efforts helped to elevate the status of British artists and engravers, and his publishing house became renowned for its high-quality prints.1

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art market
The rise of London
…example was followed by engraver John Boydell, who became the greatest print merchant of Georgian London. In 1786 Boydell initiated a project known as the Shakespeare Gallery, a collection illustrating the works of the Bard of Avon and involving artists such as Sir Joshua Reynolds, Henry Fuseli, John Opie, and…
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…example was followed by engraver John Boydell, who became the greatest print merchant of Georgian London. In 1786 Boydell initiated a project known as the Shakespeare Gallery, a collection illustrating the works of the Bard of Avon and involving artists such as Sir Joshua Reynolds, Henry Fuseli, John Opie, and…
Read More