Holden, H. W. (McKechnie Section 2)

Recorded by Jackson (Dictionary), by his initials only. Her description of an engraving by ‘HWH’ makes it clear that the artist must have been H. W. Holden, a profilist, engraver and print-seller who is known to have used what was probably a trade address (24 Clerkenwell Green, London) during 1809-1810 and one of whose prints is closely similar to the example recorded by Jackson. I myself have seen no silhouettes by Holden.

Jackson describes an engraving of a portrait of George III, inscribed ‘Drawn, engraved, and published by HWH, 24, Clerkenwell Green, London’. She describes the profile as follows: ‘The silhouette portrait is in the dot and line method, behind the star frame are sunrays. The Royal Crown and Sceptre on a cushion beneath, has roses, oak leaves, etc. Beneath are the words: “His Most Gracious Majesty King George the Third, Who by the Blessing of Almighty God, This Day, October 25th., 1809, Enters the Fiftieth or Jubilee Year of his Reign in the Hearts of his Loyal Subjects.” '

The print known to be by Holden (whose surname is inscribed on it in full) represents George III and Queen Charlotte. It likewise shows a cushion bearing the Royal crown and sceptre, and also shows a frame surrounded by sunrays. Finely engraved roses and other flowers surround the base of the frame. This print was published a year later than the example described by Jackson. The latter was published on the actual date of the Golden Jubilee, chosen to celebrate the beginning of the fiftieth year of the King's reign, and as a means of distracting the public's attention from the current military reverses and political troubles. The illustrated print, on the other hand, as can be seen from the inscription quoted below, was issued to commemorate both the wedding of the King and Queen (which had taken place not quite fifty years before the publication of the print on 25 October 1810) and the completion, not the beginning, of their fiftieth year as sovereigns.

This print of the King and Queen together appears to be a little more elaborate than that recorded by Jackson. A cloud is included in the sunrays above the ‘star’ frame, and on it flies ‘Fame’, a symbolic figure of a winged cherub with a trumpet. The text of the inscription is as follows:

HIS MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY KING GEORGE

THE THIRD, AND HIS ROYAL CONSORT

These likenesses of their Majesties are most Humbly dedicated to all subjects of the British Empire to commemorate their Happy Union which took place Sep 8th., 1761. They under Divine providence have continued a pattern of Virtue in the completion of the FIFTIETH or JUBILEE YEAR of the Reign Oct. 25th. 1810

Over their Heads Fame flies Proclaiming to the World

England's Sovereign the Nation's Pride.

Designed and Engraved by H. W. Holden

Holden was a fine engraver, and the original profiles from which he made his prints were no doubt well drawn. The Star of the Garter worn by the King is well depicted, as are the shirt-frill and the details of the Windsor uniform. Queen Charlotte wears a diadem and necklace which are also very well shown.

Ill. 845