Biographical Information

Samuel Henry Alken, Sr
British 1756-1815

Son of Sefferien Alken, a stone and wood carver, Samuel inherited his father’s artistic inclinations, entering the RA Schools in 1772 and winning a silver medal the following year. He studied architecture and decoration and in 1779 published A New Book of Ornaments. As well as architectural design, he studied the art of copper plate etching and became famous as both an aquatinter and etcher. He collaborated with Bartolozzi, Rowlandson, J.R. Smith and George Garrard on various prints, in each case adding the aquatint. Samuel was the father of seven children including noted 19 th century artists Samuel Junior, Henry Thomas (Ben Tally Ho), George and Sefferien John.