William Nelson Gardiner
(1766-1814), Engraver and booksellerArtist associated with 52 portraits
An Irish engraver, Gardiner studied art at the Dublin Academy. Around 1790 he came to London and became a principal assistant to Francesco Bartolozzi. He engraved plates for Harding's Shakespeare, De Grammont's Memoirs and Diana Beauclerk's illustrations to Dryden's Fables. Gardiner also engraved important plates after Bunbury, Hamilton and Francis Wheatley. His portraits, in particular, were highly sought after by publishers such as Boydell. Despite his obvious talents as an engraver, it is reported that Gardiner led a restless life. In around 1800, he returned to Dublin and is said to have squandered all his money, committing suicide in 1814.
by William Nelson Gardiner, after Silvester (Sylvester) Harding
stipple engraving, early 19th century
NPG D27022
Margaret Cavendish (née Lucas), Duchess of Newcastle upon Tyne
by William Nelson Gardiner, after Abraham Diepenbeeck
stipple engraving, early 19th century
NPG D30192
Frances Teresa Stuart, Duchess of Richmond and Lennox
by William Nelson Gardiner, possibly after Sir Peter Lely
stipple engraving, early 19th century
NPG D30486
Charles Townshend, 2nd Viscount Townshend
by Edward Harding, after William Nelson Gardiner
stipple engraving, early 19th century
NPG D27420
by Edward Harding, after William Nelson Gardiner
stipple engraving, published 1802
NPG D31015
by Edward Harding, after William Nelson Gardiner
stipple engraving, published 1802
NPG D27513
by Edward Harding, after William Nelson Gardiner
stipple engraving, published 1802
NPG D27635
Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyne
by Edward Harding, published by William Coxe, after William Nelson Gardiner
stipple engraving, published 1 February 1802
NPG D15093
by Charles Picart, published by T. Cadell & W. Davies, after William Nelson Gardiner
stipple engraving, published 1 May 1807
NPG D14073
Elizabeth Hamilton, Countess de Gramont
by William Nelson Gardiner
stipple engraving, published 1808
NPG D30653
by William Nelson Gardiner, after Silvester (Sylvester) Harding
stipple engraving, circa 1890-1814
NPG D18677
by William Nelson Gardiner, after Silvester (Sylvester) Harding, after Unknown artist
stipple engraving, published 1790
NPG D20553
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