William Shield
(1748-1829), ComposerRegency Portraits Catalogue Entry
Sitter in 9 portraits
Educated by his father, a music teacher, before being apprenticed to a boat builder, he continued his musical studies under the composer and concert organiser Charles Avison, for whom he frequently played the violin at concerts. He became Bandleader and Conductor at Scarborough and other theatres before moving to London as a violinist in the orchestra of the Haymarket King's Theatre. He progressed quickly to become Leader of the viola section and retained this post for eighteen years. Shield composed or contributed towards thirty-six operas and seven pantomimes and pantomime ballets. In addition to these, he produced three song collections and published several of his most popular theatre songs independently.
by George Dance
pencil, 1798
NPG 1159
by John Jackson
watercolour, engraved 1822
NPG 5221
by William Brockedon
pencil and chalk, 1826
NPG 2515(11)
by Robert Dunkarton, published by Horace W. Billington, after John Opie
mezzotint, published 1 January 1788 (exhibited 1787)
NPG D40705
by Robert Dunkarton, after John Opie
mezzotint, published 1788 (exhibited 1787)
NPG D19985
by Thomas Hardy
stipple engraving, published 1796
NPG D5978
by William Daniell, after George Dance
soft-ground etching, published 1 July 1809 (13 May 1798)
NPG D12135
by Thomas Woolnoth, published by Thomas Cadell the Younger, after John Jackson
stipple engraving, published 16 August 1822
NPG D40706
by Thomas Woolnoth, published by Thomas Cadell the Younger, after John Jackson
stipple engraving, published 16 August 1822
NPG D40707
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