COLLEY, Thomas (1758-1833) — London, Portsea & Plymouth
Etcher & engraver; copperplate printer; print publisher. Produced A sketch of the engagement under the command of Vice Admiral Parker on the Dogger Bank with the Dutch squadren of much superior force Augt 5. 1781, and other satirical prints, etc., with map-like elements, e.g. The state nurses 1781; The grumbling princes 1782; Labour in vain 1782; The letter carrier’s most respectful compliments of the season 1793, etc. Also known for at least one trade-card.
Born 10 Feb 1758 and baptised Thomas Graham Colley at St. Bride, Fleet Street, 9 Mar 1758, the son of Thomas Colley (1709-1771) and his wife Deborah Burgess (d.1762), who had married in 1750. His middle name derived from that of his father’s former partner, the clock and instrument-maker George Graham (see BME 2011). Apprenticed (Clockmakers) (£30) to Matthias Darly (see BME 2011) 7 Jul 1772, recorded as the son of Thomas Colley, watchmaker of the Strand. Married Mattina Darly (1764-1845), his master’s daughter, by licence granted 8 Oct 1778, the bride still a minor, at St. Martin in the Fields 11 Oct 1778. He left London for Portsea, and later Plymouth, at some points in the mid-1780s. Made free (Goldsmiths) by patrimony 1798-1799. He was buried at St. Andrew, Plymouth, 2 Mar 1833. His will (PROB 11/1814/124) leaving everything to his wife, was proved 23 Apr 1833. His sons, John Long Colley and Thomas Graham Colley are recorded as “engravers and copperplate printers” in Plymouth in 1823.
At M. Darly’s, Strand, London — 1779
Portsmouth Street, Clare Market, London — 1780
St. Martin’s Court, Cranbourn Alley — 1779-1780
288 Strand — 1780-1781
257 High Holborn — 1781
5 Acorn Court, Rolls Buildings, Fetter Lane — 1782-1783
3 Union Street, Portsea — 1786-1797
Clarence Street, Portsea — 1798-1802
Plymouth — 1814
Frankfort Street, Plymouth — 1820-1833
Apprentice: Joseph Reading (£45.10s) 1788.
Alexander. Atkins. BBTI. BM. EWP. Fincham. LMA. Maxted. NA.