(1757 - 1834)
James Heath was born in London; the son of a bookbinder. In 1771 he was apprenticed to engraver J. Collyer the younger. He became a leading engraver in line, stipple and etching. He produced 100 prints after designs by T. Stothard for ‘Novelist’s Magazine’ and numerous works after contemporary artists, including R. Westall and R. Smirke. He also engraved plates for J. Boyell’s Shakespeare Gallery and for his own volumes of Shakespeare’s work. His son George became a serjeant-at-law, while Charles was also an engraver. In 1791 Heath became an associate of the Royal Academy. He was appointed Historical Engraver to George III in 1794 and served as such under successive monarchs. He amassed a considerable fortune before dying in London aged 77.
