John Brooks, Engraver
(fl. 1730-1756)
Engraver
From A Dictionary of Irish Artists 1913
Was a native of Dublin, and was probably connected with several persons of the name who were copper-plate printers and engravers. In the British Museum is a print of "the Mausoleum in Stillorgan Park," inscribed: "This Mausoleum was erected in the Park of Stillorgan during the administration of John Lora Carteret, Ld. Lieutent. of Ireland, to whom this plate is humbly dedicated by Archd. Brooks." Carteret was Lord Lieutenant from 1724 to 1730. In vol. ii. of "Modern History," published by W. Williamson in Bride Street in 1755, is a map inscribed A. Brooks, sculp. This was probably Armell, or Armor, Brooks, a copper-plate printer who died in the Castle Market in October, 1763. His business was continued by his widow, Rose, and by his son Moses Brooks, who died on 22nd April, 1775. Neither the parentage nor the date of birth of John Brooks is known. Strutt ("Biographical Dictionary of Engravers," 1785-6), gives his name as "Van Brooks," and says "he was a native, I have heard, of Ireland." It is quite possible that he may have been of Dutch descent, as the name "Van der Brooks" occurs in Dublin in the eighteenth century.[1]
John Brooks worked, at first, as an engraver in line and etching. As an engraver, he was admitted to the freedom of the Goldsmiths' Corporation in 1736. His earliest known work was the frontispiece to an edition of the "Odes and Satyrs of Horace," published by Samuel Fuller at the Globe and Scales in Meath Street, in 1730. A print of "the Obelisk on the Boyne" was published in 1736, and dedicated by Brooks to the Duke of Dorset, Lord Lieutenant. In 1740 he issued an etched portrait of "Margaret Woffington," and from the inscription thereon we learn that his place of business was "at the back of Dick's Coffee-House, Skinner Row." In this year he went to London and there learned engraving in mezzotint. His master was probably John Faber, junr., with whom he kept up a connection after his return to Dublin, publishing or republishing several of his prints. Brooks was back in Dublin in 1741, and established himself at the "Sir Isaac Newton's Head on Cork Hill, opposite Lucas' Coffee House," as an "Engraver and Metzotinto Scraper." He was also a print-seller as appears from an advertisement issued by him, offering to the public "a great variety of curious prints and mezzotintos, and framing and glazing prints and pictures in the neatest manner." His shop was two doors east of the Eagle Tavern, on a site now covered by part of the "Daily Express" office and the footpath in Parliament Street.[2]
In this year, 1741, he published a mezzotint by J. Faber of "William Viscount Mountjoy," one of "the Reverend John Abernethy," also, probably, by Faber, and one, his own work, of "Cornelius Callaghan, M.P." Brooks at this time had, as he states in an advertisement, "procured from London several Hands well skilled in Graving, Etching, and Metzotinto." Foremost among these assistants was Andrew Miller (q.v.), who had been practising in London, and had come to Dublin about the same time as Brooks had returned. Miller was associated with Brooks in his work for some time, and probably engraved many of the prints issued from the Sir Isaac Newton's Head up to 1744, when he set up for himself. Another assistant was James Devoto, whom Brooks had engaged for five years, but who absconded from his employment in 1742. In March of that year Brooks issued an advertisement cautioning all persons from employing Devoto, and offering a reward of two guineas for his discovery.[3]
Brooks was also assisted in his work by his pupils, Spooner, Purcell, Houston, and MacArdell, who all afterwards distinguished themselves as mezzotint engravers, and have made Brooks's studio, where they learned their art, famous. But it is probable that they owed the excellent instruction they received rather to Andrew Miller than to Brooks himself.
In 1742 Brooks issued proposals for publishing by subscription one hundred portraits, the subjects to be decided upon by the subscribers: "Proposals by John Brooks, of the City of Dublin, Ingraver, for encouraging and promoting by subscription in this Kingdom the Art of taking Prints from Copper Plates. I, that said Brooks having procured from London several Hands well skilled in Graving, Etching and Metzotinto, proposeth to finish in Metzotinto one hundred Plates for taking Prints of the most eminent Lords, Gentlemen and Ladies of this Kingdom or elsewhere, such as shall be chosen by the Subscribers in the manner hereafter mentioned, at the rate of ten Plates for each year till the whole be finished. And for that purpose proposeth to get an hundred Subscribers at half an English Crown for each plate. II, that each and every Subscriber shall have in their turn the nomination of a Person whose Print shall be taken, that such turn shall be determined by Lot; the first numbers from one to ten inclusive shall be drawn the first year, and the Subscribers who draw those numbers shall, in order, have their first choice, and so on every year till every subscriber has had his turn. III, that on finishing each plate every Subscriber on paying an English Half Crown shall have three Tickets delivered to him, and each Ticket shall entitle Bearer to a Print of the Lady or Gentleman then in hand as shall be named in the Ticket so given. N.B. Two of these Tickets may be disposed of for a British shilling each. IV, that every Print shall be accurately taken from the best picture that can be got of the person chosen, and if no such can be found, from a picture taken from the life at the charge of the said Brooks. This the said Brooks thinks will be an effectual and easy way of carrying on the aforesaid Art with success against any attempt whatsoever that may be made by the Print-sellers of London who would, no doubt, on feeling a loss of some hundred Pounds a year sent out of Ireland for that commodity, use their utmost endeavours to discourage any scheme for promoting the said Art in this Kingdom. We whose names are underwritten do approve of the foregoing Proposal of John Brooks who has already given several specimens of his good performance in Ingraving and Metzotint; and for his further Encouragement and the Improvement of said Art in this Kingdom, we subscribe our names hereunto." Here follow the names of fifty-two subscribers, including the Archbishop of Armagh, the Earl of Kildare, Lords Massarene, Southwell and Mountjoy, Chief Baron Bowes, Thomas Prior, Arthur Dobbs, George Faulkner, Charles Lucas, and other prominent personages.
In accordance with this proposal Brooks issued a number of mezzotint portraits, including "William Aldrich, Lord Mayor," "Hugh Boulter, Archbishop of Armagh," "Chief Baron Bowes," "Henry Boyle, Speaker," "Duke of Devonshire, Lord Lieutenant," "Sir John Ligonier," "William Lingen," "Dr. Samuel Madden," "Lieutenant General Nevill," "Lord Newport," "Hon. Mrs. Ponsonby," "Lady Helena Rawdon," "General St. George," "John Wainwright, Baron of the Exchequer," etc.; but the scheme was only partially carried out.
In the following year, 1743, Brooks put forth to the public another proposal, for the engraving of eight country seats near Dublin. "Proposals by John Brooks, Dublin. That he will procure exact and regular Paintings by the best hands in this Kingdom of eight Country Seats situate within thirty miles of the City of Dublin, and from such Paintings engrave in the neatest and most careful manner Copper Plate Pictures in Perspective of such seats, under the conditions hereinafter mentioned, viz.:—That each person inclined to have his Seat painted and engraved is to subscribe Twenty Guineas for which he is to be entitled to one hundred prints of his own Seat, or twelve sets of the eight Prospects.....Each Plate is to be 21 inches by 16 inches, and to be Dedicated to the Owner of each seat, and to have his Arms engraved at the bottom with proper Embellishments. All other persons who are minded to subscribe are to pay sixteen shillings and threepence for the eight Prospects." Of the eight "Prospects" proposed to be published only two appear to have been issued, viz.:—"A View of Leixlip and the Waterfall," after J. Tudor (q.v.) subscribed for by the Right Hon. William Conolly; and "A North Prospect of Blessington," also after J. Tudor, subscribed for by Lord Mountjoy. These were published in 1745, and at the same time Brooks issued "The Obelisk at the Boyne, and the adjacent Country," and "A Prospect of the Waterfall at Powerscourt." These Views and other similar works by Brooks are extremely scarce; some, indeed, have not been met with, notably the large print, 48 inches by 19 inches, of "The Curragh Races," the publication of which was announced in 1743.
Of works in mezzotint, Brooks issued some thirty-seven Portraits. Some of them are inscribed Jn. Brooks Fecit, others Jn. Brooks Excudit. The latter are probably the actual work of Andrew Miller or of the pupils at the Sir Isaac Newton's Head.
About 1743, Brooks lost the services of Andrew Miller, who set up as an engraver on his own account. Miller had been the mainstay of Brooks's studio, and it is probable that the brilliant pupils trained there owed far more to him as an instructor than to Brooks. Deprived of Miller's assistance, Brooks probably found it difficult to maintain his business, and early in 1746 he left Dublin and established himself as an engraver in the Strand, London. In September of that year he advertised two mezzotints to be published in the following October and November, "The Battle of the Boyne," and "The Siege of Derry," for which the Prince of Wales and others had subscribed. No other engravings of importance done by Brooks after his removal to London are known. A mezzotint of "Sir George Vandeput," done by his former pupil, Richard Houston, was published by him in 1750. It bears the inscription Published by John Brooks, January 25, 1750, at ye request of the Worthy Electors of Westminister. Soon after his arrival in England Brooks appears to have invented a method of printing in enamel on china, which was taken up by Sir Stephen Theodore Jansen, who fitted up a factory at Battersea, and placed Brooks in charge. With him was associated, as designer and engraver, another Irish artist, the eccentric James Gwim (q.v.).
The irregular and dissipated habits of Brooks, and the consequent bad management and neglect of the business caused the failure of what promised to be a successful enterprise, involving not only the ruin of Brooks himself but disastrous consequences to Jansen and others who had joined in it. Peter Gandon, father of James Gandon, the Architect, who had become security for Brooks for a large amount, was involved in serious loss; and Brooks himself was declared bankrupt in 1756. After the closing of the factory he supported himself by designing and engraving for booksellers, and endeavoured to produce by subscription works in the enamelling process, of which he kept the secret; but his character became so notorious that no one would have any dealings with him. For some time he lodged in a publichouse in Westminster, and afterwards in one in Bloomsbury, in both places being accompanied by James Gwim, who was equally disreputable. Pasquin says that he "resided many years in the principal towns in England, where he evinced a spirit of enterprise not entirely consonant with the rigorous demands of equity." His final exploit was a visit to Chester with a female companion, where he lived free of expense for a considerable time, inducing the landlord of his inn to believe that he was a man of means. There he was taken ill and died, leaving a will in which he bequeathed a large legacy out of his pretended fortune to the innkeeper who, on the strength of it, buried him expensively. The date of his death is not recorded.
Many of Brooks's works are of great rarity, especially the first states as published in Dublin; and several prints which appear to have been issued have not been met with. The National Gallery of Ireland possesses good examples of some of his scarcer plates. Many of his plates were sent to London and re-issued by Jefferys and Herbert at the Golden Head, London Bridge. The Views and the earlier etched work done by him are almost unknown, and, with the exception of the View of Blessington, have not appeared for years in the Dublin auction rooms or dealers' shops.
In the following list all his known works are catalogued.
LINE ENGRAVINGS AND ETCHINGS BY BROOKS
Frontispiece to an edition of the "Odes and Satyrs of Horace," published by Samuel Fuller at the Globe and Scales in Meath Street, Dublin, 1730.
Margaret Woffington. Miss Woffington John Brooks Sculpt. Published and sold by John Brooks at the back of Dick's Coffee House, Skinner Row, Dublin, June ye 1st, 1740. This, a half-length etching in ornamental border, is the earliest known portrait of Peg Woffington. It is a very poor print.
Frontispiece to an edition of the "Works of Horace," edited by J. Hawksley, and printed at the Dublin University Press in 1745. 8vo. A poor etching. J. Brooks delin et scul.
The Obelisk at the Boyne. I. Tudor Pinx. J. Brooks & Crofts scul. A folio print with lettered references to the localities, and a dedicatory inscription in Latin to the Duke of Dorset, Lord Lieutenant 1731-37. An advertisement in April, 1745, announces the speedy publication by Brooks of "The Obelisk at the Boyne and the adjacent country, with references where the most remarkable actions happened." The only impression of this print met with belongs to Mr. B. R. Balfour of Townley Hall, Drogheda.
The Obelisk at the Boyne. A small etching, with elaborate ornamental border; inscribed:—Boyne, July the First, one thousand six hundred and ninety. Jno. Brooks Sculp. This print differs entirely from the large print described above. An impression is in the British Museum, and another at Palmerstown, Co. Kildare.
The Races at the Curragh, 8th September, 1742. In September, 1742, Brooks issued the following:—"Proposals for Engraving by Subscription a Prospect of the Races at the Curragh of Kildare to be executed by John Brooks engraver on Cork Hill according to the following conditions:—I. That the Prospect, including the Curragh, the town of Kildare, the Round Hill and the adjacent country, shall be taken on the spot by one of the best Painters in the Kingdom, and shall be decorated with tents, booths, &c, and the Humours of the Day as usual on such occasions; the Horses that shall run for His Majesty's Plate on Wednesday the 8th September next shall be particularly drawn from the Life with the Jockeys that ride, and their various success. II. That the Print shall be curiously engraved from the Original Painting as above mentioned, and shall be 4 feet long by 1 foot 7 inches deep and printed upon a superfine Imperial Paper. III. That the Price to Subscribers for each Print in a Pear-tree Frame, with a gilt frame within-side, shall be one guinea, whereof half a Guinea to be paid at the time of subscribing, and half a guinea on the delivery thereof. IV. That the Prints shall be ready to be delivered to the subscribers by the Races in April next." On January 24th, 1743-4, Brooks announced in "Faulkner's Journal" the publication of the print. "On Thursday next will be published and ready to deliver to the subscribers by John Brooks, Engraver, on Cork Hill, Dublin, a Prospect of the Race at the Curragh, and the Horses belonging to the several Noblemen and Gentlemen as they started for His Majesty's Plate on Wednesday, the 8th September, 1742." This large print was, presumably, published; but no impression has been met with. (For other early Views of Races at the Curragh see under Pomarede).
Kilmainham Hospital. A North-East Prospect of ye Royal Hospital near the City of Dublin, Humbly inscribed to the Right Honble. and Honble. the Governors of the said Hospital by John Brooks. An impression of this etching, which measures 14 5/8 by 19 ¾ inches, is in the British Museum.
A Prospect of the Waterfall at Powerscourt. Advertised in April, 1745, as speedily to be published "from an original Painting by the late ingenious Mr. Vander Egan" (i.e. Van der Hagen, q.v.).
A View of Leixlip and the Waterfall. Publication advertised in April, 1745; "engraved from the original Painting by Mr. Tudor, for which print the Right Hon. Wm. Conolly, Esq., was pleased to subscribe 20 guineas to said Brooks as encouragement for his introducing the Art of Engraving in this Kingdom." One of the projected series of eight Views of Seats.
A North Prospect of Blessington. Etching; 21 by 16 inches. Jo Tudor Pinxit. Jno. Brooks Excudit. A North Prospect of Blessingtown. A seat belonging to the Rt. Honble. the Earl of Blessingtown, Visct. Mountjoy, Baron of Ramelton and Baronet, &c. Sold by C. Dicey & Co., in Aldermary Church Yard, London. A shield of arms with coronet and supporters. Dicey's publication line is on an impression in the writer's possession, but appears to be an addition to the plate. The print is one of the series of eight Views of Seats projected by Brooks. It was published in 1745.
The Grenadier's Exercise. A series of twenty-one plates, after Bernard Lens;—"representing the Grenadier's exercise of the Granado in His Majesty's First Regiment of Foot Guards commanded by His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland. Price to subscribers Half a Guinea......The originals may be seen at said Brooks, done from Life by Bernard Lens, Limner to H. M." ("Faulkner's Journal," 19 Feb., 1744-5.) This is a republication by Brooks of the "Grenadier's Exercise," etc., etched by Andrew Benjamin Lens after drawings by his father, Bernard Lens, published in London in 1744 at one guinea. The original water-colour drawings belonged to the Duke of York, and in 1913 seventeen of these were in possession of Maggs Brothers, 109 Strand.
MEZZOTINTS
John Abernethy; after James Latham. Jno. Brooks Excudit. Printed and sold by Jno. Brooks at Sir Isaac Newton's Head on Cork Hill, Dublin, 1741. It is probable that this is Faber's plate, and that it was obtained by Brooks for reprinting in Dublin.
William Aldrich, Lord Mayor in 1742; after A. Lee. Jno. Brooks fecit. Advertised in "Faulkner's Journal," 24 Jan, 1743, as about to be published. Republished by T. Jefferys and W. Herbert in London.
James Annesley; after Stevens. .J. Brooks fecit. Published in May, 1744. This and the companion plate of Daniel McKercher, Annesley's agent and supporter, were announced in "Faulkner's Journal," March 1743-4. "In hands the Head of the Hon. James Annesley, Esq., and this day is published the Head of Mr. McKercher. Price 1s. 1d. N.B.—We Sate for the above pictures at the request of Mr. Brooks and for no other. James Annesley, Daniel McKercher." A second state of the print, with two columns of verse, was subsequently published in London by G. Smith, near Temple Bar, Fleet Street.
George Berkeley, Bishop of Cloyne; after J. Latham. Jn. Brooks Fecit.
Hugh Boulter, Archbishop of Armagh. J. Brooks Excudit. Fran. Bindon armiger Pinxt., 1742. Whole length. According to a writer in the "Gentleman's Magazine" (vol. lvi, p. 420) this plate was entirely the work of Brooks's pupil, McArdell. "Many yet living saw him at the plate during the whole operation." In "Faulkner's Journal," May 1742, Brooks advertises as "now in hands by John Brooks a mezzotint plate of His Grace the Lord Primate at full length from a curious original picture lately painted by Mr. Bindon, set up in the City Workhouse." He further says that "when a sufficient number is taken off to serve subscribers the plate will be gilt." Republished by T. Jefferys and W. Herbert in London.
Hugh Boulter, Archbishop. Half length. See under Robert Howard.
John Bowes, Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer. J. Brooks excudit. Published in 1743. Republished by Jefferys and Herbert.
Henry Boyle, Speaker; afterwards 1st Earl of Shannon. Jno. Brooks Excudit. Published in 1742. This plate, a full length, was afterwards narrowed and cut down to half length. Brooks advertised this half length plate in "Faulkner's Journal," January 1743-4; and it was also published by Jefferys and Herbert in London.
Cornelius Callaghan, M.P. Published by Jno. Brooks on Cork Hill, Dublin. The print, bearing Brooks' name, was unknown to Chaloner Smith. An impression with above inscription is in the National Gallery of Ireland. The print was published in 1742 by Brooks, and afterwards without engraver's name by Jefferys and Herbert.
Thomas Carter, Master of Rolls; after C. Jervas. Jno. Brooks Fecit. Republished by Jefferys and Herbert.
Philip, Earl of Chesterfield; after W. Hoare. J. Brooks Fecit. Published in November, 1745. Republished by Jefferys and Herbert.
William, Duke of Devonshire; after James Worsdale. Jno. Brooks. Fecit. Published in 1743. Chaloner Smith notes only a later state published in London by Jefferys and Herbert.
Nicholas Forster, Bishop of Raphoe. Bears no engraver's name, but is probably by Brooks or Miller.
Luke Gardiner, M.P.; after C. Jervas. J. Brooks fecit. Republished by Jefferys and Herbert.
George II. Mentioned by Gilbert ("History of Dublin," vol. ii, app. 3), but not known to Chaloner Smith or Bromley. The following advertisement appeared in "Faulkner's Journal," July 1743: "By Subscription, a Metzotinto Print now in hand by John Brooks on Cork Hill, of his Majesty King George the Second on horseback, from an original drawing from London. The Print to be 21 inches by 16. Price to the Subscribers 5s. 5d., one half to be paid on subscribing, the Remainder on Delivery. N.B.—None but Subscribers shall have the Print." This advertisement was issued just after the news of the battle of Dettingen had been received. The print has not been met with, and possibly was never issued.
Samuel Grey; after J. Worsdale. J. Brooks fecit. Republished by Jefferys and Herbert.
William Harrison, Commissioner of Revenue. Bears no engraver's name. Probably by Brooks or Miller.
Thomas How, Lord Mayor. J. Brooks Fecit. Similar to Faber's plate of Sir Samuel Cooke, Lord Mayor, which Brooks published. Also published by Jefferys and Herbert.
Robert Howard, Bishop of Elphin; after M. Dahl. J. Brooks Excudit. Chaloner Smith notes that this print is similar to Faber's Sir George Fleming, Bishop of Carlisle. Brooks's print was published in 1742; it was afterwards altered, the face and wig changed, and pillar, etc., introduced, and prints from it were issued by Brooks as Hugh Boulter, Archbishop of Armagh.
Nathaniel Kane, Lord Mayor; after S. Slaughter. John Brooks Fecit.
Humphrey, Viscount Lanesborough. Jno. Brooks Dublin Fecit. C. Brown Dublin Pinxit. Published in London by W. Herbert. There probably, however, was an earlier state published in Dublin, which has not been met with. Also published by Jefferys.
Revd. John Leland; after A. Lee. Jno. Brooks Fecit. Published & Sold by Abraham Bradley at the Two Bibles in Dame Street Bookseller.
Sir John Ligonier; after J. Latham. Jno. Brooks Fecit. Publication announced, January, 1743-4. Republished by John Tinney, London.
William Lingen; after A. Lee. J. Brooks Excudit. Publication, announced, January, 1743-4.
Daniel McKercher; after J. Stevens. Jno. Brooks Fecit. Published in May, 1744. See note under Annesley. Revd. Samuel Madden. Jn. Brooks Excudit. Advertised, as about to be published, in May, 1742. Republished by Jefferys and Herbert.
Richard, Viscount Molesworth; after A. Lee. Jno. Brooks Fecit. Published by Jefferys and Herbert.
Cornelius Nary, D.D., Parish Priest of St. Michan's. Brooks's name does not appear on the print. It is assigned to Brooks by Chaloner Smith, and is also mentioned by Gilbert. Bromley mentions an "Irish Mez." of this personage, but this may refer to Miller's print. See under A. Miller. Republished by Jefferys and Herbert.
Lt. Genl. Clement Nevill; after W. Hoare. Jno. Brooks Fecit. Publication advertised, January, 1743-4.
Robert, Lord Newport. Sold by J. Brooks on Cork Hill. Advertised in "Faulkner's Journal," March, 1743-4. "Now in hands and speedily will be published by John Brooks, Engraver on Cork Hill, Dublin, a whole length portrait of the Rt. Hon. Robert Lord Newport, Lord High Chancellor of Ireland. The above print will be as well executed as any now done in England." The plate is a copy, with a few slight alterations, of that of Sir Robert Walpole by Faber.
The Hon. Mrs. Ponsonby; after J. Worsdale. Jno. Brooks Fecit. Publication advertised, January, 1743-4. Republished by Jefferys and Herbert.
Lady Helena Rawdon; after James Latham. John Brooks Fecit. Publication advertised, January, 1743-4.
Admiral William Rowley. J. Brooks Fecit. Publication advertised June, 1745. Republished by Jefferys and Herbert.
Arthur St. George, Dean of Ross, brother of General Robert St. George. Bears no engraver's name, but probably by Brooks.
Lt. Genl. Richard St. George; after F. Bindon. John Brooks, Fecit. Publication advertised, January, 1743-4.
Charles Emmanuel Victor, King of Sardinia. In B.M.
Henry Singleton, Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. J. Brooks, delin et fecit. Republished by Jefferys and Herbert.
Dr. John Taylor. Mentioned by Gilbert, but not by Chaloner Smith. The print was advertised by Brooks in "Faulkner's Journal," February 19, 1744-5. "Also will be published by said Brooks a curious print of Dr. Taylor a Preaching. Price 1s. 1d. to Subscribers." This is probably Faber's print, republished in Dublin by Brooks, of Taylor, quack doctor and dentist, who was in Ireland at this time travelling through the country and performing wonderful cures. (See "Faulkner's Journal," February 4, 1745-6.)
David Tew, Lord Mayor. Unrecorded by Chaloner Smith; but an impression has been met with. It is mentioned in an advertisement by Brooks in "Faulkner's Journal." "Likewise will be delivered to the Subscribers the Metzotinto print of David Tew, late Lord Mayor of the City of Dublin."
John Wainwright, Baron of the Exchequer; after James Latham. Jno. Brooks Excudit. Published by J. Brooks May ye 12th 1742. Republished by Jefferys and Herbert.
William III. J. Brooks fecit. Done at the Request of Joseph Sproule Esq. of Athlone. G. Kneller Bart. pinxt. Published in 1744, when there was a project on foot to erect a statue to King William at Athlone. In "Faulkner's Journal," October 6th, 1744, appears the following: "The Metzotinto of King William, done by John Brooks at the Request and Engagement of Joseph Sproule of Athlone, Esqr., is now completely finished and ready to be delivered to the bearers of the Subscription Tickets. As this undertaking, as the First of that sort attempted in Ireland, is looked upon to excel the English Metzotinto, it is hoped it will meet due encouragement from the Lovers of the Memory of that great and glorious Prince." In the latter part of this notice Brooks apparently refers to the ornamental border and accessories which adorn the print in the style of the portraits in Birch's "Lives." Andrew Miller issued the same year a number of prints with similar borders, and Brooks evidently wished to have the credit of first introducing this style of portrait. Republished by Jefferys and Herbert.
John Winstanley. Jno. Brooks Excudit. This print forms the frontispiece to Winstanley's "Poems," published in Dublin in 1742.
The Battle of the Boyne; after Wyck. J. Brooks fecit. This print was published in London after Brooks had left Dublin. The following advertisement appears in "Faulkner's Journal," September 6th, 1746: "This Day his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and the following Noblemen, Ladies and Gentlemen were pleased to subscribe to John Brooks of the Strand, London, Engraver, for two Metzotinto Prints, the one the Battle of the Boyne, fought by our late illustrious glorious deliverer, King William III., taken from the only original picture painted on that subject by the celebrated Battle Painter, Mr. Wyke, Rt. Hon. the Earl of Leicester's Collection, the other the remarkable Siege of Derry." The advertisement further says that the print of the "Boyne" was to be ready for subscribers in the following October, and that of the "Siege of Derry in November. In the original state of this print the figures, etc., are numbered and lettered, so that there was probably a printed Key with the names. In subsequent states published by Jefferys and Herbert, and afterwards by Kitchin, the names are inscribed at the bottom of the plate.
The Siege of Derry; companion print, mentioned in the advertisement quoted above as subscribed for in September, 1746, and to be ready in the following November. It has not been met with.
Gilbert ("History of Dublin," vol. ii, app.) mentions the following portraits as by Brooks:
Captain Thomas Coram, after B. Nebot, 1741.
William Parsons, convict, after T. Jonson.
Sarah Malcolm, after Hogarth.
Margaret Plunket.
The first two, however, are not the work of Brooks; that of Coram being inscribed Brooke, and that of Parsons J. Brooke sculp., 1750. Both are in line. J. Brooke was a London engraver. Spooner's print of Frederick of Prussia was published in 1756, by J. Brooke, engraver, "facing Water Lane, Fleet Street."
The portraits of Sarah Malcolm and Margaret Plunket are mentioned also by Bromley, but have not been met with. The notorious Peg Plunket, "of long notoriety in the Cytherean annals,"[4] died in 1797 (?) in Dublin, aged 61, so Brooks could not have engraved her portrait.
Gilbert also mentions "Belisarius," after Van Dyck. This print was advertised by Brooks ("Faulkner's Journal," February 23rd, 1744-5), "a very fine print of Belisarius after Van Dyck," but he does not say that it was engraved by himself.
MEZZOTINTS BY FABER, Etc., PUBLISHED IN DUBLIN BY JOHN BROOKS
Sir Samuel Cooke, Lord Mayor. Jno. Faber Fecit. Jas. Lathem, Pinxit. Published by Jno. Brooks Print-seller on Cork Hill. Advertised in "Faulkner's Journal" in May, 1742, as about to be published, and described as "executed by" Brooks.
Abraham De Moivre. J. Faber fecit. J. P. Highmore pinx 1736. This Print was published in London by Faber, and later re-published in Dublin by Brooks. An impression in the National Gallery of Ireland has the following publication line, in addition to that of Faber, and Jno. Brooks Engraver at Sr Isaac Newton's Head on Cork Hill near the Blind Quay Dublin.
William, Viscount Mountjoy. By John Faber, after a picture painted in 1738, by Curry (q.v.). Inscribed: "This plate is Most Humbly Dedicated to his Lordship by his Lordship's most obedient Servant, John Brooks. Published and sold by J. Brooks according to Act of Parliament, Ao. 1741.
[1] In 1781 there died Margaret Brookes, widow of Stephen Van der Brookes, butcher. This Stephen was no doubt the Stephen Brookes, butcher, of Ormonde Market and Church Street who, according to an advertisement in "Faulkner's Journal" in 1750, was "remarkable for preparing the best brawn that has been made in this kingdom." A John Broocks, son of John and Anne Broocks, was baptized in St. Catherine's Church, Dublin, in August 1723. Jacob Vandenbrook was buried in St. John's Church on 21st April, 1724, and William Vandenbrook on 23rd May of the same year. A John Van de Brooke was a pupil in the Dublin Society's School.
[2] The position of Brooks's shop, which was afterwards occupied by Michael Ford (q.v.), is shown on two scarce maps of the locality dated 9th November, 1751 and 15th January, 1753. The house was demolished when Parliament Street was made.
[3] This James Devoto was probably son, or brother, of John Devoto, a London artist, whose portrait, painted by Vincenzo Damini, was engraved in mezzotint by Faber in 1738 with the inscription Johannes Devoto historicus Scenicusque Pictor. Two pencil portraits on vellum by James Devoto are in the British Museum.
[4] See notice of her death in "Dublin Chronicle," June, 1793, but the announcement appears to have been premature, as the "Dublin Evening Post" notices her death in its issue of 18th March, 1797.