James Hopwood the Elder

He took to engraving at the age of forty-five, as a means of supporting a family of six children.

By industry he succeeded in engraving and publishing two plates, on the strength of which he came to London, where James Heath permitted him to work at his profession in his house.

By assiduous work he gained some experience and employment in his profession, though he never attained any great reputation.

Hopwood was elected in 1813 secretary to the Artists' Benevolent Fund, and held the post till 1818, when he resigned through illness.

A portrait of Hopwood, from a drawing by A. Cooper, R.A., will be found in Pye's ‘Patronage of British Art’ (p. 335).