CRABB, Thomas (1790-1819) — London
Engraver, bookseller & printer. Published and presumably engraved a set of county playing-cards in 1819 — the plates later taken over in turn by Robert Miller and William Darton 2 (see BME 2011). Also published Edward Seymour, “History of the wars resulting from the French Revolution” 1815 — with plates and maps; Alexander Cullen, “The history of Scotland” 1815; C. G. Hunter, “Russia : being a complete picture of that empire” 1817 — with plates and a map; “Views in London” ca.1817, etc. Also known for at least one portrait.
Born in London 26 Jun 1790 at Southwark, the son of Alexander Crabb, a baker, and his wife Christiane (Christy) Henderson, who had married at St. Bride Fleet Street the previous year. Baptised in a non-conformist ceremony 13 Sep 1797. Apprenticed (Leathersellers) to the engraver John Beale of Holborn Hill 4 Jul 1804 for a fee of £10, paid by his father. Married Mary Deborah Bailey (1786?-1869) at St. John Hackney 19 Apr 1810. In partnership with Joseph Burnham for a time, jointly registering a press with him 17 Jun 1813. Died in 1819 and was buried at Union Street Independent 12 Aug 1819. His will dated 19 Jul 1819 and proved 3 Feb 1820 survives in NA (PROB 11/1625/52) — mentioning his wife, his father, his father-in-law (the builder Thurston Bailey), etc. The Ivy Lane premises were taken over by Charles Hinton, who co-published “The panorama : or, traveller’s instructive guide” with James Wallis (see BME 2011) in or about 1820. A trade-card is in BM (Banks, 59.51).
15 John Street, Blackfriars Road — 1811-1819
— & 1 Ivy Lane, Paternoster Row — 1817-1819
Adams. Alexander. BBTI. BM. Information from Philip Burden. Hake. LHD. NA. Todd. Tooley.