Richard Houston

Richard Houston was an Irish engraver born in 1721, whose work is associated with the Rococo movement. He trained under the notable engraver John Brooks in Dublin before moving to London, where he became a prominent figure in the art of mezzotint engraving. Houston is best known for his reproductions of portraits by Sir Joshua Reynolds and other leading artists of the time, which contributed to the dissemination of their work across Europe. Despite his artistic success, Houston faced financial difficulties and was imprisoned for debt in 1762, a common plight for artists of his era. He continued to produce engravings until his death in 1775, leaving a legacy that influenced the development of printmaking in the 18th century.