Francis Jukes

Who was Francis Jukes?

Francis Jukes was a prolific engraver and publisher, chiefly known for his topographical and shipping prints, the majority in aquatint. He worked alongside the great illustrators of the late eighteenth century. He contributed numerous plates to various publications of rural scenes and collaborated on several projects with the engraver and publisher Robert Pollard.

Born in Martley, Worcestershire in 1745. He became famous for his, engraving and aquatint work, particularly using a technique he developed with Paul Sandby, a Watercolourist. Sandby and Jukes combined engraving and aquatint from 1774 onwards. Notable work included Paul Sandby's "A New Drawing Book", published in 1779.

Jukes, at first an etcher and line engraver, later an aquatint engraver was based at 3 Hosier Lane in London, between Holborn and The City, insuring his premises for £50. He lived for 20 years at 10 Howland Street 1794–1808. Then 57 Upper John Street, Fitzroy Square 1808–1812. He traded alone 1790–1802; later as Jukes and Sargent 1809–1811.

Thereafter he produced a prolific number of engravings and aquatint work, often collaborating with others such as Sawrey Gilpin, William Sawrey Gilpin, Thomas Rowlandson and James Pollard.