Gillray

Gillray, James (1757-1815), a caricaturist of great merit, was born in Chelsea. He was at first a strolling player, then became a successful engraver, and from 1779 till four years before his death devoted his talents to caricature, chiefly of a political character. He at first ridiculed George III. and the Court, but, when induced to desist from attacking them, made Fox and Napoleon his chief subjects. He was his own engraver. He led a very irregular life, and in 1811 became insane. Several collections of his caricatures have been made, notably that by Thomas Wright, which accompanies the Life and Times of Gillray (new edition, 1873).