Joseph Crawhall II

Joseph Crawhall II (1821-1896), was a businessman, artist and patron of the arts. His artistic achievements including wood engraving, watercolours and contributions to Punch magazine. The pursuits of himself and his family contributed to the thriving cultural environment of 19th Century Newcastle.

Crawhall was born at West House, St. Anthony’s, near Newcastle. The family business was rope making; Joseph Crawhall I (1793-1853) had bought St. Anne’s Ropery in Newcastle after serving an apprenticeship there. Nevertheless, he grew up in an artistic environment. His father was an amateur artist, and Crawhall, as well as his siblings, inherited this artistic ability. His mother was also a patron of the Theatre Royal, adding to the family’s keen interest and influence upon the arts scene in the North East. The enduring importance of the Crawhall family is demonstrated by the renaming of Elwick’s Lane to Crawhall Road: a road which remains today between New Bridge Street and City Road.

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