Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

3rd Volume of Heath Family Engravers

This Volume of the Heath engravers is by way of a supplement, a sequel and an update to the definitive study in Volumes 1 and 2 of a century of British line engravers in their heyday, as epitomised by three generations of the Heath family, notably by the founder, James Heath, and his son Charles. With their close links with so many of the first British artists of their day whose paintings they so frequently engraved in the fashion for book illustrations and in larger commercial prints, and who patronage their work engendered, these craftsmen artists were self-made examples of ability, taste and immensely hard work who, unlike many of their competitors, innovated, took risks, and sought publicity for their efforts where ever they could obtain it. 

These line engravers constitute in microcosm the rise and ultimate decline over a century in which they worked centrestage and as trendsetters in their profession in England, at a time when the so-called 'British School' of engravers led the world.

Chris someone and MHC in Melbourne - 1999

--