A to Z of artists Gillray, James 1756 - 1815

James Gillray was born in Chelsea where his father was an Out-Pensioner of the Chelsea Hospital subsequent to losing an arm at the battle of Fontenoy.  Apprenticed to a silver engraver, he ran away to join a company of strolling players before coming to his senses and being trained at the Royal Academy Schools.  His ability to draw was outstanding, but his early years were spent as an engraver for a number of publishers before becoming chief caricaturist for Mrs Humphrey in Bond Street.  His graphic satires of politics and morals of the day were adroit and often savage.  His intemperate personal habits however led to insanity shortly after his last caricature was engraved in 1811.  He died on 1 June 1815, aged fifty-eight.