Josiah Boydell

In 1766, at the age of 14, he moved to London to begin his seven-year apprenticeship to Samuel's brother, John Boydell.

While an apprentice, he learned painting from Benjamin West and mezzotint engraving from Richard Earlom.

[1] After completing his apprenticeship, he continued to work closely with John Boydell, making some engravings himself and drawing scenes for others.

One of his major early tasks was to draw the picture collection of Sir Robert Walpole at Houghton Hall, Norfolk, prior to the export of the pictures to Catherine the Great of Russia.

One son, John North Boydell, was later involved in the family's publishing company.