William Holl the Elder

William Holl the Elder (1771 – 1 December 1838) was a British engraver, who was believed to be of a German background, and a political radical.

Holl was a pupil of Benjamin Smith the engraver, and worked in the stipple method.

[4] A progressive in politics, Holl at the time of the Spa Fields riots in December 1816 took the risk of concealing James Watson, son of James Watson (1766–1838) the radical leader, and aiding his departure for the USA.

He was a pioneer in using steel plates for banknotes,[1][5] Holl lived in Bayham Street, Camden Town.

[7] Holl married Mary Ravenscroft, and they had four sons who followed his trade: Benjamin, who practised engraving for a short time; William; Francis, A.R.A.