Richard Reynolds, Society of Friends: 19th C. Engraved Portrait by Wm. Sharp

This engraving is printed on thick paper. The sheet measures 16" high and 12" wide. It is adhered to an archival backing in the upper left corner. There is mild discoloration and toning in the margins, but it does not involve the image.

Richard Reynolds (1735-1816) was a prominent member of the Society of Friends, also known as Quakers, in the 18th and 19th centuries. He was born into a wealthy family in Bristol, England, and inherited a successful copper smelting, iron manufacturing business from his father. Despite his privileged upbringing, Reynolds was known for his deep concern for the poor and his commitment to social justice. He used his wealth and influence to support a range of philanthropic causes, including the abolition of slavery, the improvement of working conditions for miners and factory workers, and the provision of education for the poor. Reynolds was also a prominent supporter of the Quaker movement, and he played an important role in the establishment of the Society's first school in Bristol. He was a vocal advocate for the Quaker belief in nonviolence and was involved in the formation of the Society's Peace Committee. In addition to his philanthropic work, Reynolds was an active member of the Society of Friends and Reynolds served as an elder and a clerk for the Society of Friends. He was also a prolific writer and speaker, and his writings on social justice and Quaker principles were widely read and respected. Richard Reynolds is remembered as a model of Quaker values and as a tireless champion of social justice and equality. His legacy continues to inspire Quakers and others committed to creating a more just and equitable society.

William Armfield Hobday (1771-1831) was an English artist and engraver. He was born in London and studied at the Royal Academy, where he won a silver medal for drawing in 1792. Hobday became known for his skillful engraving work, producing prints of landscapes, portraits, and book illustrations. Hobday worked for several prominent publishers, including John Boydell and Rudolph Ackermann. He was also an active member of the Royal Society of Arts and exhibited his work at the Royal Academy. In addition to his engraving work, Hobday was a talented painter and produced several oil paintings during his career. He was particularly known for his portraits, which included depictions of King George III and members of the royal family.

William Sharp (1749-1824) was an English engraver and printmaker known for his exceptional technical skill and ability to reproduce intricate designs with precision. Born in London, Sharp began his career as an apprentice to an engraver, and went on to become one of the most renowned engravers of his time. Sharp's work included portraits of famous figures such as George Washington, John Milton, and William Shakespeare, as well as illustrations for books and magazines. He was particularly skilled at reproducing the work of other artists, including William Hogarth and Joshua Reynolds, and his engravings were highly sought after by collectors.

In addition to his technical prowess, Sharp was also a proponent of political and social reform, and was involved in several radical movements of his time. He was a supporter of the French Revolution, and his political views were reflected in his engravings, which often featured images of popular uprisings and revolutionary figures. Despite his success as an engraver, Sharp struggled financially throughout his life and was forced to take on numerous commissions to support himself and his family. He died in poverty in 1824, but his legacy as one of the greatest engravers of his era lives on through his impressive body of work.