author
W. (William) Finden
1787–1852
A leading English line engraver of the early 19th century, he helped shape the look of illustrated books and prints in Britain. His finely detailed work ranged from portraits to landscapes, and his plates were admired enough to command exceptional fees.
2 Audiobooks
The Ports, Harbours, Watering-places and Picturesque Scenery of Great Britain Vol. 1
by W. (William) Finden
The Ports, Harbours, Watering-places and Picturesque Scenery of Great Britain Vol. 2
by W. (William) Finden
About the author
Born in London in 1787, William Finden trained as an engraver under James Mitan and developed his style through close study of the prominent engraver James Heath. He went on to build a major reputation as a line engraver, producing portraits, landscapes, and book illustrations with a polished, highly finished look.
He often worked alongside his younger brother, Edward Francis Finden, and the two became closely associated with the flourishing market for illustrated annuals and literary gift books. Their output became so popular that they employed assistants, and William was especially noted for large, ambitious engraved portraits, including a celebrated plate of King George IV after Sir Thomas Lawrence.
Finden died in 1852. His work remains a strong example of the skill and commercial success of British engraving in the decades before photography changed the field.