Jeffreson, William (McKechnie Section 2)

See also Section One

Recorded by Jackson (The History of Silhouettes), by reason of one example seen by her. Jackson adds a little more information in her Dictionary.

It is evident from his trade labels that Jeffreson was a Londoner, but, since neither an initial nor a full first name are recorded, it is unlikely that his origins will ever be traced. He appears to have worked between c. 1817 and c. 1821, and its obvious from the wording of two of the three known trade labels that he was a travelling artist, who worked in far more places than the few known locations suggest, since both these labels promise a stay of 'only two or three days'. This may, of course, have been the conventional threat of a quick departure made in order to encourage custom.

Jackson quotes an advertisement (she gives no date) from a Canterbury newspaper, which reads exactly as Trade Label No. 2, except that it gives a price of three shillings (probably a guessed interpretation of the price of '2 to 5' shillings which has been partly erased on the label). We know, therefore, that at some time Jeffreson visited Canterbury. We also know from the dated silhouette (illustrated) of Mrs Kingston that he was in Midhurst on 22 May 1819.

857

Jackson also refers to a label on a miniature measuring 1 x 1½ in. This bore an address at 4 New Street, Strand, London. Unfortunately it is not clear whether Jackson was referring to a small silhouette or to a portrait miniature in colour. If the latter, then Jeffreson was presumably one of the lesser miniaturists who occasionally painted silhouettes to augment their incomes; but no artist of this name is listed by Foskett.

Cut work is also mentioned by Jackson, but I have seen none.

It is unlikely that Jeffreson painted any silhouettes which were not bronzed on a black or Venetian red base. All the extant silhouettes are of this type, and bronzed work is offered on Trade Labels Nos 1 and 2. Prices on these are quoted at (apparently) '2 to 5 shillings'; one can only guess that the profiles on black were cheaper than those on red, for which the price was probably 5s. No previous writer has mentioned full-length work.

The gold pencilling on Jeffreson's work is very fine, being comparable with that of such a major profilist as John Field. Extremely fine lines are drawn on all the profile except the parts in deepest shadow. Details of hair and dress are well drawn. No mixture of yellow and gold paint appears to have been used, but a thinning of the gold paint is visible in those areas between extreme highlight and deep shade. Even whiskers, and the sitter's ear, are drawn with the same accuracy. There is no gum arabic on any examples which I have examined.

On both trade labels Jeffreson states that he used a machine of some kind to secure the basic outline. His work on a red background is something like that of Hallam (q.v.), who, however, did use gum arabic. The bust-line termination of Jeffreson's profiles varies greatly. He favoured papier mâché frames, with hangers bearing emblems.

As Jeffreson was working at a time when fashion (especially women's fashions) did not vary much, his work is difficult to date.

As I have mentioned, three trade labels are known. No. 1 (illustrated) is the most often seen; Jeffreson probably took stocks of it with him on all his travels.

860, 861

It reads thus:

MODERN STYLE OF EXECUTING LIKENESSES

BY A MACHINE

Constructed on an unerring principle

MR. JEFFRESON

(From London)

Profilist of the principal Nobility and Gentry in

the Kingdom

Respectfully informs the Ladies and Gentlemen of [blank for

name of town] and Its Vicinity, that he executes

STRIKING

LIKENESSES

in Gold Bronze Tint:

A Style admired and approved of, by the principal Artists and Amateurs in the Kingdom, which conveys the most forcible expression and animated character, and whose superior Style of execution, and unequalled accuracy of delineation, have rendered him so eminently successful in the different towns he has visited.

A variety of Specimens will be exhibited by Mr. Jeffreson at [blank for address]

As Mr. Jeffreson's stay will be only two or three days an early application is requested of those Ladies and Gentlemen who may be pleased to honour him with their commands.

Terms from Two to Five Shillings

Ladies and Gentlemen waited upon at their own Houses on the same terms, if required.

No Likeness is to be kept unless approved

A large Assortment of fashionable Frames for Sale.

Jeffreson had Trade Label No. 2 (illustrated) printed especially for a stay in Canterbury, although he states on it that his stay will only be for two or three days. It is difficult to say whether or not this label was used before or after Trade Label No. 1. It has been seen on a silhouette of an officer, which is difficult to date; this was sold at Sotheby and Company, London, on 26 April 1971. It was recorded by Jackson (Dictionary). Although the typography is different, this label reads the same as No. 1 as far as 'In Gold Bronze Tint', except that 'CANTERBURY' is printed in the space left for the name of the town. It then continues

A Style admired and approved of, by the principal Artists and Amateurs in the Kingdom: and as they are become so very fashionable, the public can never have a better opportunity than the present, of obtaining

CORRECT LIKENESSES

A variety of Specimens will be exhibited by Mr. Jeffreson, at

Mrs. Webster's, Palace Street

As Mr. Jeffreson's stay will be only two or three days, an early application is requested of those Ladies and Gentlemen, ‘who may be pleased to honour him with their commands.

Terms 2 to 5 shillings

Ladies and Gentlemen waited on at their own Houses, on the same terms, if required.

No Likenesses to be kept unless approved of

A large assortment of fashionable Frames for Sale

The price on this label has been partly erased. Trade Label No. 3 was recorded by Jackson (Dictionary) who had seen it on the miniature mentioned above.

Ills. 133, 853-861, 985, 998