John Boydell
John Boydell was a British publisher noted for his reproductions of engravings. He helped alter the trade imbalance between Britain and France in engravings and initiated a British tradition in the art form. A former engraver himself, Boydell promoted the interests of artists as well as patrons and as a result his business prospered.
In the 1790s, Boydell began a large Shakespeare venture that included the establishment of a Shakespeare Gallery, the publication of an illustrated edition of Shakespeare's plays, and the release of a folio of prints depicting scenes from Shakespeare's works. Some of the most illustrious painters of the day contributed, such as Benjamin West and Henry Fuseli.
Throughout his life, Boydell dedicated time to civic projects: he donated art to government institutions and ran for public office. In 1790, he became Lord Mayor of London. The French Revolutionary Wars led to a cessation in Continental trade at the end of the 1790s. Without this business, Boydell's firm declined and he was almost bankrupt at his death in 1804.
Late 18th Century English American Empire Antique John Boydell
Paper
Late 18th Century English British Colonial Antique John Boydell
Paper
21st Century and Contemporary American John Boydell
Silk
Early 20th Century North American Folk Art John Boydell
Cotton
21st Century and Contemporary American John Boydell
Silk
19th Century French Folk Art Antique John Boydell
Pen, Paper, Giltwood
Late 20th Century Chinese John Boydell
Metal
1940s Australian Vintage John Boydell
Felt
17th Century English William and Mary Antique John Boydell
Pewter
1930s American American Classical Vintage John Boydell
Bronze
Late 17th Century Swedish Baroque Antique John Boydell
Paper
1960s Chinese Vintage John Boydell
Tin
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art John Boydell
Masonite, Paint