Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com

1818 - 1819 - 1820

James Heath R.A. - aged 61/62 - Engraver
Mary Heath (ne Phillipson) - age 61/62

George Heath - aged 39/40 - Attorney
Anne Raymond Heath (ne Dunbar) - aged 31/32

Julia Anna Harrison (ne Heath) aged - aged 11/12
John Moore Heath - aged 10/11
Douglas Denon Heath - aged 7/8
Dunbar Isidore Heath - aged 3/4
Leopold G. Heath - aged 1/2

Charles Heath 33/34 - Engraver/Publisher - Half-brother of George Heath - Attorney

Elizabeth Heath (ne Petch) - 29'ish

1819
James Heath to Dawson Turner

There is only one man in London that makes good Prints, and I have been all this time endeavouring to find him without success. I have therefore sent you some of those I have myself in use. I can only repeat my thanks for your past kind letter. My son has sent you some specimens of his talents. I hope you will think well of them. He has likewise some opinions of the American invention for Notes. He has joined them in the Patent and wishes for your opinion as to the progress it is likely to make among country Bankers etc.

I have sent you a large parcel of autographs which I have rummaged from my Drawers, some of these may possibly be worth preserving. I hope soon to send you a Proof of my Drown'd Fisherman.

I have sent a proposition for a New Series of the Lady's Magazine. I have purchased the Copy Right of the Work and am determined to make it the best work of the kind. It is my intention to make the Prints alone worth more than the price of the magazine. The Work has already a very extensive circulation and produces a considerable annual profit and I am not without hope of doubling present sale.

With best respects to Mrs.Turner.

I remain, Yours truly,
James Heath

Saturday 30 January 1819
Saint James's Chronicle

London
The late Mr.Leach, the Magistrate, is succeeded in the office of clerk of the county court of Middlesex, by George Heath Esq., who has appointed Edward Du Bois Esq., his deputy.

March 4 1819
James Heath to Dawson Turner

I have to thank you not only for Pheasants and Woodcocks, but likewise for Mrs.Turner's kind offer of making an etching of my Portrait. That I might get the best likeness of me as I now am, I have sat to two artists and have taken the liberty of sending the one I and my family thought the best.

The accompaniment (The Dead Soldier etc.) need not be thought of as the Head only will give Mrs.Turner sufficient trouble.

I am sure I do not know how to express myself for this great mark of kindness, and can only say that it will be remembered with pleasure as long as I live.

I have sent the Drawing in a Packing Case by the Coach today and I hope it will arrive safe.

With best respects to Mrs.Turner.
I remain etc, James Heath

P.S. I have nearly finished a Plate of the 'Drowned Fisherman' which is intended as a companion to the Dead Soldier. When done I shall have the pleasure of begging your acceptance of a Proof and Etching.

(sent franked by J.Drinkwater)

20 March 1819
James Heath to Dawson Turner

I has often been remarked that it is not the granting a favour but the manner of doing it, that touches and wins the heart. My feelings upon receiving your letter proved the truth of the observation. I have enclosed the Note, but request you will take your own time, as I am in no particular want of the money.

I am happy to find you approve of line Drawing and cannot help saying again how much I feel myself flattered by Mrs.Turner's kind intentions.

Respecting the Autographs, I am sorry to say that I have not one of Bruce's. I was very intimate with him and had many of his Notes but unluckily I have not preserved any of them. I suppose you have our good old King's signature as they are so very common, if not I can give you one or two of them.

I can likewise give you one of Louis the Sixteenth. I have many letters of Sheridan's, but I suppose you do not collect any that are so common. I has often happened that I could have had many curious things in that way, and now I know your intention, I will do everything in my power to add to your collection.

I remain etc.
James Heath

Wednesday 24 March 1819
The Heath Family Engravers 1779-1878, Volume 3. by John Heath

Letter - To Charles Heath from Archibald Constable.

Charles Heath
Engraver, Seymour Place,
Euston Square.
London

I am without intelligence as to the State of the Plates in your hands for Dr.McCulloch's Western Islands, which were to have been finished last month, and as the work will be ready in the course of a few Weeks, certainly by this day I trust you have got them ready - Mr.Read, Copper plate printer, Marden Lane, Covent Garden, has directions as to the casting.

The portrait of Mrs.Brunton is also much wanted. May I beg also to hear from you respecting it of which a proof must be transmitted to Manners and Miller as soon as possible.

In the hopes of hearing from you by an early post, I am etc.
Archibald Constable.

3 April 1819
James Heath, Russell Place, London to Dawson Turner

There is an old saying "Give and Inch and take an Ell' - I fear you think I have verified that Proverb.

My son is engaged on some very large works for Rodwell and Martin such as the Italian Scenery Dodwells Greece, Pompeii etc. etc. and he for their accommodation is obliged to take Bills at long dates such as the one enclosed. When I asked the last favour, you complied in a way so truly friendly that to accommodate my Son I have ventured to ask whether (not withstanding the length of the date) you can oblige him as you did me. I really am almost ashamed of asking you, but hope if it is attended with any inconvenience you will candidly say so.

Respecting the autographs, I will find you one of Sheridan's. I suppose you have Walter Scott's and Peter Pindar's, if not I can furnish you. I have one likewise of De Launey, who was Governor of the Bastille when it was destroyed, and who was murdered by the Mob.

I am glad you think my portrait like, you can keep it as long as you please and if you (?) I can get Mr.Behnes' in the humour to make a copy of it I shall think myself highly honoured in your acceptance of it. I forgot to mention that I am very intimate with Moore, the Poet and Rogers, if you have not got any of theirs I will ask them to write on purpose. [blank] the money from Barclay for which and all other favours give leave to thank you, and believe me,
Every truly yours
James Heath

Monday 26 April 1819
British Press

Artists General Benevolent Institution
The object of this institution is, by an Appeal to Public Liberality, to extend Relief to distressed artists, whose works are known and esteemed by the Public, as well as to their Widows and Orphans. Merit and Distress forming the only claim to its benevolence.
The subscribers and Friends to the Institution will celebrate the Fifth Anniversary Festival in Freemason's Hall, on Monday, the 3rd of May next, on which interesting occasion it is proposed to announce the Opening of the Funds.

His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, Joint Patron of the Institution, in the Chair. Stewards, - - - J.M.W.Turner Esq., A.R.A., John Soane Esq., R.A.,- - - - James Heath A.R.A. - - -
Dinner on Table at Half-past Five.
Tickets, 1/.1s. each, to be had fo the Stewards; at the Bar of the Craven Hotel, Craven Street, - - - -

Monday 10 May 1819

St.Dunstan, Stepney - Philanthropic Society, Mile End, instituted March, 1803, for the Discharge of Persons confined for small Debts, and for the temporary Relief of the necessities Manufacturing and Labouring Poor, in London and its environs.

The Anniversary Sermons for the Benefit of this Institution will be preached on Sunday, May 16th, 1819 at the Parish Church of St.Dunstan, Stepney: that in the Morning by the Rev. William Johnson Rodber, of St.Peters College, Cambridge, Curate of St.Margaret's, Westminster, Lecturer of St. Mary-at-Hill and St.Andrew Hubbard and Domestic Chaplain to the Right Honourable Lady Manchester; and that in the Afternoon by the Rev. Henry George White, Curate of Allhallows,Barking, Great Tower Street, Evening Preacher at the Asylum, Lecturer of St.Mary, Rotherhithe, and Domestic Chaplain to his Royal Highness the Duke of Kent.

- -- Stewards - George Heath Esq., - - -

Wednesday 12 May 1819
Morning Herald (London)

Also a correct likeness of Mr.Kean as Gloster in King Richard the Third, engraved by Mr. James Heath, (to range with his Theatrical Portraits) from a drawing by De Wilde, price 4s., proofs 6s. Likewise, full-length Portraits of Mr.Macready, in the Character of Orestes; and Mr.Taylor, as Major Galbraith, embellish Nos. 80 and 81 of the Theatrical Inquisitor and Monthly Mirror, price 2s.6d. each, which contain, amongst a variety of interesting articles, an elaborate review of the whole controversy between Mr.Bucke and Mr.Kean, respecting the Italians. Besides a copius account of all the theatrical novelties of the last month, together with a complete refutation of Jackson's concise Examples of seven hundred errors in Shakespeare's Plays, by E.D.Baynes Esq., - - - -

Saturday 29 May 1819
Morning Herald (London)

David Garrick
On Tuesday June 1, will be published, An Admirable Likeness of the inimitable David Garrick, engraved by James Heath Esq. A.R.A. from a Miniature painted by the once celebrated Louisa Lane, who, to her other excellences in the polite Arts, added the novel one of working the real hair of her sisters into their Portraits. Mr.Garrick sat for the last time, and afterwards sent a lock of his hair to Miss Lane, enclosed in a note, for the purpose of her completing the Miniature for Mrs. Garrick, a few months before his decease.

Miss Lane left the hair un-worked-in; since her death the Portrait, hair and note, have been in the possession of the late Rev. Theophilus Lane, Rector of St.Michael's, Crooked Lane, and on his death they devolved to a near relative of the family.
A fac-simile of the note in Mr.Garrick's hand-writing, is engraved on the plate. The original Portrait, with the original note and lock of hair, belonging to Mr. Garrick, and another of Mrs.Garrick, may be seen by applying to the Publisher, William J. White, Printseller, 14, Brownlow St, Holborn.

Nothing has ever vexed me more than the circumstances of your being in Town without my having the pleasure of seeing you. I have left three autographs. The lines on the Dead Soldier are Dr.Walcots in his own hand.

Many thanks for your kindness respecting the little long dated Notes, and for the beautiful Engraving of my Portrait, it is done with great taste and skill and is as like the Drawing as possible. I esteem it as one of the greatest compliments I have ever received in the course of a long life. When you return to Town I hope to see you at East Action or if you cannot spare time to go so far, I beg of you to send me a Note that I may come and see you in Town.

I am, my dear Sir, Yours etc.
James Heath

Morning Advertiser
Monday 7 June 1819

Philanthropic Society, Mile End, instituted March 1803, for the Discharge of Persons, confined for small Debts, and for the temporary Relief of the necessitous Manufacturing and Labouring Poor, in London and its Environs.

The Anniversary Dinner of the Subscribers and Friends of the Society will be on Thursday June 10, at Four o'clock at the London Tavern.

His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex in the Chair.
Stewards - Rev. Edward Williams A.M., Joseph Barretto Esq., Chris Richardson jun. Esq., William Carling Esq., James Farrell Esq., Charles Walker Esq., Robert Barnes Esq., John Goddard Tyler Esq., John Bryan Esq., George Heath Esq., Michael le Mann Esq.,

Tickets 13s 6d each, to include one bottle of wine, to be had of the Stewards and Chairman of the Directors,Mr Willshire 11, London Wall; at the Bar of the Tavern; or of the Hon.Secretary, Mr John Jones, Bell Court, Walbrook.

26 June 1819
General Evening Post

Died - June 23, Anker Smith Esq., one of the Associate Engravers of the Royal Academy.

1 July 1819
Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette

Died
Anker Smith esq.; one of the associate engravers of the Royal Academy.

7 July 1819
James Heath, East Acton, London - to Dawson Turner

I have received your kind letter of the 3rd inst., and am much obliged to you for your readiness to serve me on all occasions. I was very sorry I missed the opportunity of seeing you and Mrs.Turner when in London. If ever I do leave Town for an Excursion, it shall be for the pleasure of seeing you at Yarmouth. I forgot to send you the signature of George 3rd but will embrace an opportunity when I can send something with it.
I will ask my son and any other person whom I think likely to be of service in your pursuit.

I have begun an etching of Puck but I expect to be taken from it to begin an engraving of the Holy Family from the famous picture by Raphael which I believe I mentioned to you before. The account you give of Paris accords with all I have heard from every other person who has lately visited that famous City.

Respecting a Pupil, my Terms are 300 guineas for 5 years and his Friends to find him Board, Lodgings and everything else and to be at my house 8 hours a day exclusive of meals. I am much obliged to you for the offer to for the offer of few more Proofs of my Portrait and when I come to Town in the Autumn and am more among my Friends shall avail myself of the offer. It has been much admired both by Artists and Amateurs.

With best respects to Mrs.Turner, I remain
James Heath

---------------------------------
10 July 1819
The Times?

Burial of Anker Smith - he was a man of Great probity and equanimity of temper. Pall supported by Tomkins, Ward, Warren, Agar, Rhodes & Milton of Society of Engravers. Left wife and 5 children.

17 July 1819
James Heath to Dawson Turner (Banker)

I am almost ashamed of again asking for your assistance, but your unbounded kindness and the assistance it affords to a young man who is in every way deserving, overcomes all scruples

My son encloses a letter of Dodwell's and he will look out for any others that may be worth a place in your collection. I do not know whether you have seen any of the works in which he is engaged. If you have and any of them have attracted your attention, nothing would give him more pleasure than sending you some proofs of them.

Your opinion of Paris and its inhabitants is corroborated by every person who has lately arrived from that famous city. I confess I have no fears of their threats or of their malice, they were always a vain boasting People and nothing will alter their character.

Mr.Behnes is much pleased with the Engraving and I fear I must transgress on you for a few more Proofs.

With best respects to Mrs.Turner.

Yours Truly,
James Heath

24 July 1819
James Heath to Dawson Turner (Banker)

Your kindess to my Son will ever be remembered both by him and me. I am much concerned to hear of your painful indisposition, and the only comfort is that though distressing, it is not dangerous. I shall continue to make enquiries after autographs but do not expect much success till I go to Town for the Winter. I have only met with one of the Princes Charlotte, which is in the hands of Hardenburg, the Statutary who does not seem inclined to part with it. I will however make further enquiries.

A few years ago I had a very good collection of them but gave them away to a friend. I had the last note that Dr.Johnson ever wrote. It was to Dr.Brocklesby when he had the last paralytic attack. It was hardly legible and was a great curiosity.

London has been in a state of great confusion this week in consequence of the meeting at Smithfield. Have you any disturbances in your part of the country? WHat is to be the end of all these alarming proceedings? Several of my friends are so agitated that they intend to quite the country. I confess my fears are not yet so strong, for during the whole of my life I never remembered the time3 when threats and riots were not the order of the day.

I am dear Sir, Your truly,
James Heath

Thursday 12 August 1819
Morning Herald (London)

The honour of Associate Engravers of the Royal Academy, vacant by the death of Anker Smith is likely to be warmly contested.

(Big sale of Anker Smith's Collection of Engravings by George Jones at his new rooms, Leicester Square, March 22 1820. Sale of Mrs. Anker Smith's leashehold also advertised, No.1 Bridge Row, Chelsea Road.)

Thursday 8 September 1819
James Heath to Dawson Turner

Accept my best thanks for a brace of birds. Your kindness in thinking of me so early in the season adds to all the favours I have been so long in the habit of receiving from you.

I have lately become acquainted with Miss Gainsborough, a Daughter of the celebrated Painter of that name. I asked her for a line of her Fathers writing and she has given me the only scrap she has in her possession. I will send it when I have some others to make a parcel.

I often wish to know your line of Politicks and the reason is this. Two or three years ago I engraved a print from a whole length Statue of Mr.Pitt at Cambridge. As none but subscribers of £20 or upwards were entitled to a Proof, which became a thing of great request. I wish very much to present you with a Proof, which perhaps whether you are an Admirer of Mr.Pitt's politicks or not, you would accept for the sake of the Engraver.

With best respects to Mrs.Turner, I remain, dear Sir,
James Heath

Monday 11 October 1819
Morning Herald (London)

The Lady of James Heath Esq,. of Charlotte St, Fitzroy Square, died suddenly on Saturday last at their residence in East Acton. Mrs Heath appeared in her usual of health at breakfast, and after taking a walk in the gardens returned into the house and almost instantly fell down in an apoplectic fit. Mrs Heath was the mother of Mr. Heath, the barrister, and Mr. C.Heath, the eminent historical engraver. In private lift this Lady was highly beloved, and her memory will be long cherished by those who had an opportunity of duly appreciating her worth.

Saturday 16 October 1819
Suffolk Chronicle

Deaths.
At East Acton, aged 62, the lady of James Heath Esq. A.R.A., of Russell Street, Fitzroy Square.

Monday 18 October 1819
Leeds Intelligencer

Deaths.
Suddenly, on Saturday week, at their residence at East Acton, the Lady of James Heath Esq., of Charlotte Street, Fitzroy Square. Mrs Heath appeared in her usual state of health at breakfast, and after taking a walk in the gardens, returned into the house, and almost instantly fell down in an apoplectic fit. Mrs Heath was the mother of Mr.Heath the Barrister, and Mr. C.Heath, the eminent Historical Engraver.

1820