Thomas Tomkins (calligrapher)
# Thomas Tomkins (calligrapher)

Thomas Tomkins (1743–1816) was an English calligrapher.

## Life

He kept for many years a writing school in Foster Lane, London. Tomkins was a friend of Samuel Johnson and Sir Joshua Reynolds, and used to demonstrate how he could draw a perfect circle with the pen; but was ridiculed by Isaac D'Israeli. He died in Sermon Lane, Doctors' Commons, in September 1816. His partner in the writing academy, John Reddall, survived till 17 August 1834.

## Works

Among examples from his pen are:

* A transcript of the charter granted by Charles II to the Irish Society, containing 150 folio pages;
* ornamental titles to books, particularly Thomas Macklin's Bible (8 vols. 1800–16), James Thomson's The Seasons, and the Houghton Collection of Prints;
* a transcript of Horatio Nelson's letter announcing his victory at the battle of the Nile—this was engraved and published;
* titles to three volumes of manuscript music presented to the king by Thomas Linley the elder;
* honorary freedoms presented to celebrated generals and admirals for their victories (1776–1816)—framed duplicates of these are preserved among the city archives; and
* addresses to their majesties on many public occasions, particularly from the Royal Academy.

Tomkins published:

* The Beauties of Writing, exemplified in a variety of plain and ornamental penmanship. Designed to excite Emulation in this valuable Art, London, 1777; again London, 1808–9, and 1844.
* Alphabets written for the improvement of youth in Round, Text, and Small Hands, 1779.
* Rays of Genius, collected to enlighten the rising generation, 2 vols., London, 1806.
* Poems on various Subjects; selected to enforce the Practice of Virtue; and with a view to comprise … the Beauties of English Poetry, London, 1807.
