Robert Hartley Cromek was born in Hull in 1771. A career in law was abandoned and he followed an inclination towards literature and art, living and studying for a time in Manchester where he developed a liking and talent for engraving. He went to London to study under Francesco Bartolozzi (1727-1815) and involved himself in engraving book-plates. He then took up print-selling and publishing. While in London he became acquainted with William Blake (1757-1827). In 1808 he visited Scotland to collect information about Robert Burns, meeting Allan Cunningham (1784-1842). His work includes engravings for Canterbury Pilgrims, illustrations for The grave by Robert Blair (1699-1746), illustrations in The reliques of Robert Burns (1808), and those in The remains of Nithsdale (1810). He also made the plates for Sharpe's edition of The spectator . Cromek died of consumption at the age of forty-two in London on 14 March 1812. He left a widow and two children, one of whom was Thomas Hartley Cromek (1809-1873), painter.
From the guide to the Papers of Robert Hartley Cromek (1771-1812), 1839-1867, (Edinburgh University Library)
