W. H. Simmons, also known as William Henry Simmons, was a British printmaker who lived from 11 June 1811 to 10 June 1882. Here's a summary of what we know about him:
Career and Achievements:
- Line Engraver: Simmons initially began his career as a line engraver, a traditional technique for creating detailed prints.
- Shift to Mezzotint: However, he eventually transitioned almost entirely to the mezzotint technique. Mezzotint allows for richer tonal variations and a more painterly effect, which might have suited his artistic preferences.
- Highly Regarded: Simmons achieved a high degree of excellence in mezzotint engraving, becoming a well-respected artist in his field.
Known Works:
- While specific titles of his works aren't readily available online, we know he created engravings after the works of other artists. Some sources mention he made prints based on paintings by:
- Sir Edwin Landseer (famous for animal paintings)
- Sir John Everett Millais (a prominent Pre-Raphaelite painter)
- George Jones (another engraver)
Legacy and Availability of Works:
- Limited Information Online: Unfortunately, details about W. H. Simmons' life and work are not widely available online.
- Auction Records: There are some records of his prints being sold at auctions, suggesting his work might be found in private collections or museums.
- Highgate Cemetery Grave: His grave is located in the western side of Highgate Cemetery in London, but there's no headstone or readable memorial remaining.
Further Research:
- If you're interested in learning more about W. H. Simmons, you might try searching offline resources like:
- Art history archives or libraries in London.
- Auction house catalogs or online databases that might have listed his works.
- Additionally, visiting Highgate Cemetery and consulting their records might offer more insights into his life and final resting place.
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