Burt, Albin Roberts (McKechnie Section 2)

See also Section Six

 

Recorded by Jackson (Dictionary; two entries: 'Burt', and 'Albin R. Burt') as a painter of silhouettes, but better known as a miniaturist, and recorded as such by Foskett, who is the main biographical source.  Burt was born on 1 December 1783, probably in Wales, the son of Harry Burt and his wife Mary (née Roberts).  His brother, Henry Frederick Burt, was secretary to Lord Nelson and his mother was a friend of Emma Hamilton.  Burt began life as an engraver, and was a pupil of Robert Threw and Benjamin Smith.  He exhibited 'churches' and 'historical subjects' at the Royal Academy in 1807 and 1830.  He worked in Bath and Worcester in 1812, in Birmingham and Warwick in 1814, and in Oxford (at 113 High Street) in 1817.  He is known to have been in London during 1805, 1814, 1820, and 1830.  He is also known to have worked in Chester (at Mrs Hunter's, North-gate) between 1810 and 1830, and he was in Reading in 1832.  Two more addresses during 1834 are recorded: 14 Albone Bar, and 51 Albone Bar, Southampton. In 1810 Burt married Sarah Jones, who bore him eight children.  He died in Reading on 1 March 1842.

 

Under 'Burt', Jackson mentions a signed silhouette sold by Sotheby and Company, London, on 1 December 1932; under 'Albin R. Burt' she mentions two signed silhouettes sold by Christie, Manson and Woods on the same date.  It seems strange that both auction houses should have sold silhouettes by the same little known artist on the same day.  No silhouette by Burt is extant.  Any example which should come to light might be expected to be in bust-length; the use of gum arabic, and perhaps also of body colour, might be expected.

 

Burt is said to have painted easel portraits of many eminent persons, including a grand piece showing Lady Hamilton as Britannia, unveiling a portrait of Nelson.  In view of the association of Burt's family with Nelson and Lady Hamilton, this portrait may well have been painted from life.  Burt also worked as an engraver and executed shell and stone cameos, as well as miniatures.  I have seen one poor miniature in colour, painted on card and in a papier mâché frame, with the name 'A. R. Burt' engraved on the hanger.

 

Mayne mentions a trade label. Possibly this was the printed advertisement which Foskett records having seen on the back of some of Burt's profiles.  Though these are probably portrait miniatures in colour in profile, the advertisement might equally well have been used on silhouettes.  Part of the text read as follows: 'New invented machine by which the most accurate likenesses can be taken.  Can with confidence recommend his portraits to the Public, especially as the practice of many Thousands has given his pencil a facility that enables him to afford the coloured Profiles at/Half a Guinea each/And more finished at 1 Guinea.'

 

Sometimes the artist signed his work 'Burt' followed by a date, sometimes 'A. R. Burt', followed by both place and date.  His name might also be seen engraved on the brass hangers of paper mâché frames.