PERRY, Francis (1734-1765) — London
Artist and engraver. Engraved Thomas Atkinson, The inclosure and plan of the abbey at Fountains for J. Burton, “Monasticon Eboracense” 1758. Chiefly known for his engravings of coins, medals and antiquities, but also engraved portraits, etc., and a book-pile bookplate for T. C. Mottely is also known.
Born in Abingdon and baptised at Appleford, Berkshire, 16 Mar 1734, the son of William Perry and his wife Margaret Belcher, who had married at Abingdon in 1722. He studied under Vanderbank (presumably Moses Vanderbank), “a good artist, but a man of dissipation. With him Perry learned very little, being chiefly employed in obtaining goods on credit, answering duns, or removing his cloaths from one lodging to another” (Strutt) and Richardson. Perry had the use of only one eye and habitually etched on a white ground, which facilitated working by candlelight. Died in London 3 Jan 1765 at Carter’s Lane, Doctors Commons. Buried in Bunhill Fields 7 Jan 1765. His collection of prints, drawings, and copperplates, chiefly relating to antiquities, was sold at auction in April 1775. “He was an honest, industrious man, but could scarcely earn a subsistence” (Strutt).
Corner of Knowles Court, Little Carter Lane, near St. Paul’s — 1763
Alexander. BBTI. BM. Bryan. COPAC. Fincham. Grant. Hake. Maxted (1984). ODNB. Strutt.