Engraving à la Archibald McLees (1817-1890)

[Masgrimes]

Hello Engravers!

I am looking over some English copper plates that I purchased a few years ago and wondering if anyone on the forum is deeply familiar with script engraving from 1870-1910. One of the more prominent American Engravers in the penmanship world at that time was Archibald McLees, having done work for both the Spencers on their texts as well as Knapp and Rightmyer among others.

I'd love to learn more about the engraving process for some of these texts and discuss the relationships between penmen and engravers, particularly on these more artistic plates which are as much a testament of the engraver's skill as the penman's.

Is there anyone on the forum that has this expertise? I am fairly well-versed in the penmanship side of this history, but most of my knowledge regarding historical methods for reproduction are of the use of photoengraving. I'd love to chat with someone who has spent an equal amount of time researching engravers.

Below is a sample plate from the New Spencerian Compendium—engraved by A. McLees in ~1882.

—David

 

[Archibaldremembered]

I am Archibald McLees's great-grandson. I can't help you technically, but I have information about him and his sons. To my knowledge, the sons were the last engravers. I have inherited a large charcoal portrait of Archibald, done by Lyman P. Spencer. I have numerous engraved plates and a copy of Archibald's alphabet book. In 1907, 17 years after his death, the Penman's Art Journal featured him on their cover and a story within. I have attached that here.

 

[Mike576]

this forum is so cool, you can ask questions about the most niche engraving related topics and get an answer. Just fantastic!
If you are looking for an individual who loves to share knowledge and is a master penman and also an engraver look up Jake weidmann. The man’s work is top knotch.

 

[tdelewis]

Interested in the copperplate style? Dr. Joseph M. Vitolo has a series of lessons on Youtube. They are easy to follow.