author
William Savage
1770–1843
An English printer, engraver, and writer, he is remembered for helping push color printing forward in the early 1800s. His books combine practical know-how with a real enthusiasm for the craft of printing.
1 Audiobook
A dictionary of the art of printing
by William Savage
About the author
Born in Howden, Yorkshire, in 1770, William Savage built a career that crossed several fields: printing, engraving, drawing, and writing. He first worked in business as a printer and bookseller, and later became known in London for his technical skill and wide knowledge of the printing trade.
He wrote several books, including Practical Hints on Decorative Printing and A Dictionary of the Art of Printing. These works helped explain printing methods in a clear, useful way and contributed to the development of color printing, especially through his work with water-based inks for wood engravings.
Savage died in Kensington on July 25, 1843. Though not a household name today, he remains an important figure in the history of printing because he joined hands-on craftsmanship with a writer’s ability to teach others.