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John Brooks (engraver)

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2John Brooks was an Irish engraver, working in London by 1746. He made three unsuccessful applications for a patent for printing on ceramics. The first, made from Birmingham in 1751, is for ‘printing, impressing and reversing upon Enamel and china from engraved, etched and Mezzotinto plates, and from Cuttings on Wood and Mettle.’ In 1753 he became a partner in the Battersea enamel factory. Sent from Battersea in 1754, his second patent application states ‘your petitioner will be able to supply foreign markets with stoneware and earthenware manufactories of this country beautifully printed and decorated.’ His third application, sent from the same address in 1755, is for ‘Printing on Enamel, China, Glass, Delft & other Wares.’ The Battersea works failed, and Brooks was declared bankrupt in 1756. He is said to have returned to Dublin. He is not known to have signed any of his engraved work on ceramics or metal. 

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