Molineux (McKechnie Section 2)

Known only from a print (in the Elliott Levy collection) engraved after a silhouette of a cleric by ‘Mr Molineux'. The print is in oval format (9 x 7 in.). The silhouette, which is bust-length (about 21/2 in. high) heads the picture. The engraver's initiais, 'A. B. Sc.', are underneath the bust. On either side of the silhouette, near the base, is an engraved inscription in a large elegant cursive script; the words are set in an oval formation, to conform with the shape of the print and to fill the space beneath the silhouette. The wording is as follows: 'The original from life of the Revd. D. Simpson, first minister of Christchurch in Macclesfield was drawn by Mr. Molineux on Monday, the day after he had preached his last sermon. He preached his first sermon at the opening of the Church on Christmas Day, Dec. 1775, and died on Easter Sunday, Mar. 24th. 1799 in 54th. year of his age.'

The frame is of ebonised wood, with gilt decoration. The fact that a print was made from Molineux's silhouette suggests that he was a professional artist.