Alexander, William, 1767-1816

William Alexander studied under Julius Caesar Ibbetson. He served as the "draughtsman" for the Macartney Expedition to China, 1792-1794, sailing in the Hindostan, and making a vast number of sketches. Upon his return to England, he worked up many of these into finished color-wash drawings. A number of these were engraved and reproduced in Sir George Staunton's account of the embassy.

From the guide to the William Alexander engravings., (Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library)

English artist; 1st Keeper of Prints and Drawings at B.M.

From the description of Autograph letter signed : London, to Mr. Scott, 1814 Jan. 12. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270875295

English artist and engraver.

Trained at the Royal Academy in the 1780's, Alexander accompanied Lord Macartney's embassy to China in 1792 and was appointed professor of drawing at the military college at Great Marlow in 1802. In 1808 Alexander was named first keeper of prints and drawings at the British Museum, a position he held until his death in 1816.

From the description of William Alexander's watercolor drawings prepared to illustrate George Vancouver's A Voyage of Discovery to the North Pacific Ocean [graphic], [ca. 1796-1798]. (Newberry Library). WorldCat record id: 41275879

Artist.

William Alexander studied under Julius Caesar Ibbetson. He served as the "draughtsman" for the Macartney Expedition to China, 1792-1794, sailing in the Hindostan, and making a vast number of sketches. Upon his return to England, he worked up many of these into finished color-wash drawings. A number of these were engraved and reproduced in Sir George Staunton's account of the embassy.

From the description of William Alexander engravings. 1796. (Cornell University Library). WorldCat record id: 64745678