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Digital copiesThomas Kelly (c. 1795 – 1841) was an Irish and American engraver who worked in line and stipple engraving techniques. He was an active member of the Dublin Society of the Arts and gained recognition early in his career, winning prizes for wood engravings in 1802 and 1803.
Kelly was born in Dublin around 1795. His earliest known work is an etching titled “Union Street, or Ease and plenty”, published in 1799 by Williamson of Dublin . He remained active in Ireland until 1827, creating engravings for local publications and annuals.
After 1823, Kelly began working for Boston publishers. He was temporarily associated with the noted Boston engraver Joseph Andrews, and his work was published by Samuel Walker — the same publisher who issued your 1828 engraving of St. Petersburg. Kelly‘s engravings also appeared in numerous American newspapers, including the New York Mirror.
From 1831 to 1835, Kelly worked in New York, where he engraved numerous portraits of celebrities, including images of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Napoleon, and Lord Byron . The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds his work “Washington Family”, which he published in New York on Third Avenue between 1834 and 1841.
Unfortunately, the artist's fate was tragic: reportedly, he died in the almshouse in New York City in 1841 .
Important Distinction: Two Thomas Kellys.
It should be noted that two different men with the same name were working simultaneously in the first half of the 19th century, which often causes confusion among collectors:
| Characteristic | Thomas Kelly — Engraver | Thomas Kelly — Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Life Dates | c. 1795 – 1841 | 1809 (or earlier) – 1871 |
| Primary Role | Engraver (line and stipple) | Publisher, Bookseller, Printer |
| Location | Dublin (to 1827), Boston (after 1823), New York (1831–1841) | London, 52/53/17/16 Paternoster Row |
| Address | Changed cities and countries | 17 Paternoster Row — his main London address |
| Dictionary Connection | Engraved portraits for American publications | Published “Kelly's New and Universal English Dictionary” and other reference works |
The London publisher Thomas Kelly issued numerous illustrated books, portraits, and topographical prints at 17 Paternoster Row. His publications, including dictionaries and encyclopedias, appeared from 1819 through the 1860s and were widely distributed throughout the British Empire.
Thus, if you encounter an engraving signed “I. Kelly Sc.” (or “T. Kelly Sc.”) published in Boston or New York — this is the work of the Irish-American engraver Thomas Kelly. If the engraving states “London: Published by Thomas Kelly, 17 Paternoster Row” — it is the product of his London publisher namesake.
