ZEITTER, John Christian (1798-1862) — London
Artist, engraver, etcher & lithographer. Engraved the inset scenes for Robert Mimpriss, A chronological & geographical chart; from the commencement of the gospel narrative, to the ascension of our Lord ca.1832, and illustrations for the accompanying ‘A key to the chronological and geographical chart’. The chart, or a version of it still retaining Zeitter’s name, was later re-published by George Washington Bacon (see BME 2011) as Bacon’s family guide to the life and ministry of Christ illustrated with 100 Pictures from the old masters ca.1870. Also engraved Henry Thomas Alken, ‘Illustrations to Don Quixote’ 1831, etc. Known principally as an artist, with his work represented in numerous collections.
Other sources give slightly variant dates, but Zeitter appears to have been born in London 24 Mar 1798 and baptised at the German Lutheran Church, Savoy, Strand, 16 Dec 1799, the son of Johann Martin Zeitter (1770-1823) and his wife Regina Elisabetha Dürr (1772-1809). Studied at the Royal Academy Schools 1823. Became naturalised 1826. Worked with the artist Henry Thomas Alken (1785-1851) in Ipswich, and later married Alken’s daughter, Lydia Anne Alken (1815-1891), at St. Pancras 9 Sep 1831. Elected a member of the Royal Society of British Artists in 1842, he exhibited at the Royal Academy 1824-1841 and over 300 works elsewhere 1824-1862. In 1836, he travelled to his parents’ native Germany, making sketches of people and countryside. He died May 23 1862 at the age of sixty-four and was buried in Highgate Cemetery 30 May 1862. In April 1863 a sale of his sketches and studies was held at 8 Argyll Street, for the benefit of his widow. A couple of items of correspondence survive in Manchester Archives.
12 St. James’s Place, Hampstead Road — 1824-1825
16 Randolph Street Road — 1833-1835
32 Edward Street, St. Marylebone — 1836-1841
Priory Street, New Camden Town — 1844
6 Brecknock Cottages, Camden Town — 1846-1848
81 Charrington Street, Somerstown — 1850-1851
3 Nelson Terrace, New Hampstead Road, Kentish Town — 1859
4 Clarence (or Cambridge) Terrace, Cambridge Road, Hammersmith — 1862
Alexander. BM. BNA. Census 1841. Engen (1979). Grant. Graves (1901) (1905). Hake. Johnson (1975). LHD. NA. Todd. Twyman.