Miles (McKechnie Section 1)

Recorded by Jackson (Dictionary), who mentions two profiles of naval sitters, one bearing a trade label, the other, part of an advertisement, on the back. Jackson gives dates for these examples of 1800 and 1805: these dates are early for full-length cut work, which was not produced in quantity until some years later. The later of these silhouettes may have been that from the collection of the late Sir Henry Sutcliffe sold in 1948 by Blairman of London. The sale catalogue states that it bore on the back a trade label of 'Miles, Profilist', but gives no date. Since we do not know whether the dates 1800 and 1805 were inscribed on the silhouettes, or estimated by Jackson, we cannot identify Miles with certainty as one of the miniaturists of the same name listed by Foskett. The best known of these is Edward Miles, who was sufficiently able to be appointed (in 1792) miniature painter to the Duchess of York, and later to Queen Charlotte. It seems unlikely that such an artist would advertise profiles cut by machine, and in any case he was in Russia from 1797 until 1806, and left England for Philadelphia in 1807. Another miniaturist, however, G. H. Miles, who exhibited at the Royal Academy 1824-29, might have worked earlier as a profilist.

As both the silhouettes in question were of naval subjects, the artist may have lived for some time near a port, although it is not known whether the sitters were from the Merchant Navy or the Royal Navy. The incomplete advertisement on the reverse of the profile dated by Jackson to 1800 reads as follows: 'A new patented silhouette machine. Taking profiles in a very superior manner at Mr. Rode11's Long Row.' Unless this address can be identified, the town in which Miles was working at the time will remain unknown. We know from the wording of the trade label on the other silhouette that Miles (probably an itinerant artist) was in Nottingham at one time (in 1805, if this is the correct date of the silhouette).

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Jackson describes the two full-length profiles of naval subjects as cut in black, with the detail of the uniforms (including buttons) shown in gold. Miles's trade label (see below) gives two prices for his work; from this one might infer either that he offered both bust-length and full-length profiles, or full-length profiles only, either in plain black or touched with gold.

If the examples already described bore the dates of 1800 and 1805, it is probable that they were cut from white paper, afterwards blacked over.

The trade label, on the reverse of the silhouette which Mrs Jackson dates to 1805, reads as follows:

Miles. Profilist: We beg leave most respectfully to announce to the Nobility and Gentry and inhabitants of Nottingham that he has taken apartments for a short time as above. The Principles on which his Machine is constructed and his extensive Practice, enables him to execute Profiles in a Style of accuracy and elegance, never before attempted in this Kingdom; and upon Terms so very Moderate, as cannot fail to recommend him to a general public in decided Preference.

As an object peculiarly interesting to the Curious, this Machine is allowed to be from neatness, the simplicity of its mathematical construction, one of the most ingenious and clever among modern inventions, and is open for inspection to Ladies and Gentlemen ardent of orders.

Profiles from five to ten shillings each, exclusive of Frames.

Specimens to be seen at Mr. Stretton's and Mrs. Sutton's, Booksellers, and at Mr. Mill's apartments; where attendance is given from 10 to 6.

Time of Sitting will not exceed I minute.

'Mr. Mills' was probably a misprint for 'Mr. Miles'. Although the artist's terms are described as 'very moderate', five shillings (presumably for a bust- length silhouette) and ten shillings (for a full-length silhouette) would not then have been low prices for cut work, if this is how these prices should be interpreted.