SLACK, John (1764?-1827) — Manchester
Engraver & copperplate printer; engraver to calico printers; bookseller & publisher. Engraved A plan of Manchester and Salford, with the latest improvements 1804, published by Joseph Aston. Printed & published “Tim Bobbin”, ‘Plebeian politics or the principles and practices of certain mole-eyed maniacs vulgarly called Warrites : by way of dialogue betwixt two Lancashire clowns’ 1818, with plates. Slack also drew and etched a polemical view of the Peterloo Massacre, A view of St. Peters Place and manner in which the Manchester Reform meeting were dispersed by civil & military power 1819, also issued in handkerchief form. Also known for at least one bookplate.
Born about 1764. He married Helen (Ellen) Robinson (1767?-1828) at Liverpool 31 Oct 1785. Describing himself as a calico and historical engraver, he advertised for an apprentice in 1790. A partnership in Salford with William Cowdroy as printers and publishers was formally dissolved 22 Oct 1814. Described as a “printer, publisher, bookseller” of Salford, he was declared bankrupt 5 Apr 1817. In 1825, a John Slack Jr. was a letterpress printer and stationer at 7 Bailey’s Court, Market Place, Manchester, and a further John Slack was an engraver to calico printers at 36 Bury Street, Salford. He died 9 Sep 1827 was buried at Trinity Chapel, Salford, 13 Sep 1827 aged sixty-three. His will was granted probate 17 Apr 1828. His daughter Helen Slack (1788-1839) married Thomas Sowler (1789-1857), bookseller and founder of the Manchester Courier.
Near the Cross, Salford — 1790
Princes Street, Salford — 1793-1794
1 Princes Street, Salford — 1797-1804
Sun Entry, Manchester — 1821
— 7 Gravel Lane, Salford (home) — 1821-1827
Alexander. BBTI. BM. BNA. Fincham. LG. LHD.