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Edward
Burch, c.1730-1814
Edward Burch was a self-taught
seal engraver who studied drawing and modelling at the St Martin’s
Lane Academy. This training, and his links with the Royal Academy, enabled
him to meet many professional artists, particularly Sir Joshua Reynolds
with whom he shared a life-long friendship. Burch later co-founded the
Society of Artists of Great Britain, with whom he exhibited his miniature
sculptures on ringstones and medallions. In 1770 he was made an Associate
of the Royal Academy and in 1771 he was a member of the first group of
elected (rather than nominated) full Academicians. As such, he was the
first gem-engraver to receive this honour and remained the only one for
38 years. He enjoyed great success and attracted wide patronage.
Sir Joshua Reynolds, 1723-1792
Sir Joshua Reynolds was one of Britain’s most highly-regarded portrait
painters of the 18th century, whose sitters included George III and Queen
Charlotte (1779). He became the first president of the Royal Academy in
1768 and was knighted the following year. He counted literary figures,
such as Dr Johnson and Sheridan, among his friends.
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