- Also known as
-
George Bickham the Elder
-
primary name: Bickham, George
- Details
- individual; printmaker; publisher/printer; painter/draughtsman; British; Male
- Life dates
- 1683/84-1758
- Address
- Hoop Alley, Old Street, London
- Biography
- Writer, draughtsman, ornamental engraver, illustrator and publisher, notably of 'The Universal Penman', issued in 52 parts from 1733 to 1748, a joint work with his son George (q.v.) and with John Bickham (perhaps his father, otherwise a son or brother): it contained examples of calligraphy by 25 writing-masters on 212 folio copperplates.
Earlier authorities gives the date of his death as 1769, but according to William Massey ('The origin and progress of letters',1763; quoted in ODNB), he died on 4 May 1758 and was buried in an unmarked grave by the vestry door of St Luke's, Old Street.
His work is often indistinguishable from his son of the same name; doubtful prints in the BM have been attributed to the son. Two trade cards in Heal Collection. Heal,59.16 advertises "Engraven, Written and sold by George Bickham in Hoop Alley, Old Street, London..." Heal's annotations on mount: "George Bickman, engraver in Hoop Alley, Old Street, London, 1705." Heal,59.18 advertises "A New Deceptio Visus Engrav'd and sold By Geo. Bickham, In London. 1729." Heal's annotations on mount: "George Bickham, engraver, b.1684-d.1758."
- Bibliography
- ODNB
