Thomas Ashton

by James Macardell, after Thomas Gainsborough
mezzotint, mid 18th century
12 in. x 8 7/8 in. (310 mm x 227 mm)
Reference Collection
NPG D558

Sitterback to top

Thomas Ashton (1716-1775), Clergyman. Sitter in 6 portraits.

Artistsback to top

Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788), Portrait and landscape painter. Artist associated with 263 portraits, Sitter in 8 portraits.
James Macardell (1727 or 1728-1765), Mezzotint engraver. Artist associated with 291 portraits, Sitter in 3 portraits.

Related worksback to top

NPG D559: Thomas Ashton (from same plate)

Subject/Themeback to top

Mezzotint

Events of 1750back to top

Current affairs

Notorious highwayman James MacLaine is apprehended and hanged at Tyburn, having passed in society as a wealthy gentleman for two years.
Scottish landlords start evicting tenants in the Highland Clearances.
Westminster Bridge is opened, the only fixed crossing of the River Thames between London Bridge and Putney.
Iron Act is passed restricting the manufacture of iron products in the American colonies.

Art and science

Electrician and experimental philosopher John Canton reads a paper before the Royal Society on a method of making artificial magnets.
Writer Samuel Johnson begins publishing his periodical The Rambler.
Artist Joshua Reynolds travels to Italy, where he remains until 1752.
Establishment of the Jockey Club; a gentleman's club which took over the regulation of British horse racing.

International

Composer Johann Sebastian Bach dies in Leipzig. He completes his Mass in B Minor, worked on over many years, shortly before his death.

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