Thomas Abiel Prior (1809-1886)
Prior was a noted line engraver, born in London. According to Bryan’s Dictionary, ‘[Prior] interpreted [J M W] Turner with rare skill. He merits a place among what are called ‘Turner’s Engravers’ by the fact that he engraved one plate during the painter’s life and under his supervision, the ‘Heidelberg.’’
Heidelberg (right) made Prior’s name and established his reputation as a talented landscape and architecture engraver.
He later settled in Calais, France, where he taught in local schools.
Collections
British Museum, London
Metropolitan Museum, New York
Musée d’Orsay, Paris
National Portrait Gallery, London
Royal Collection Trust
Literature
Mackenzie, I (1988), British Prints, Antique Collectors’ Club
Williamson, G C Ed. (1904), Bryan’s Dictionary of Painters and Engravers, George Bell and Sons
Prior was a noted line engraver, born in London. According to Bryan’s Dictionary, ‘[Prior] interpreted [J M W] Turner with rare skill. He merits a place among what are called ‘Turner’s Engravers’ by the fact that he engraved one plate during the painter’s life and under his supervision, the ‘Heidelberg.’’
Heidelberg (right) made Prior’s name and established his reputation as a talented landscape and architecture engraver.
He later settled in Calais, France, where he taught in local schools.
Collections
British Museum, London
Metropolitan Museum, New York
Musée d’Orsay, Paris
National Portrait Gallery, London
Royal Collection Trust
Literature
Mackenzie, I (1988), British Prints, Antique Collectors’ Club
Williamson, G C Ed. (1904), Bryan’s Dictionary of Painters and Engravers, George Bell and Sons
Our selection of antique prints after J M W Turner, including work by Thomas Abiel Prior can be viewed here.