Thomas Frye

Thomas Frye (c. 1710–1762) was an Irish-born artist known for his contributions to the British art scene, particularly in the realm of mezzotint engraving. Frye was a prominent figure in the Rococo movement, which was characterized by its ornate and decorative style. He is best remembered for his large-scale mezzotint portraits, which were innovative for their time and demonstrated a high level of technical skill. In 1755, Frye co-founded the Bow porcelain factory in London, where he served as the principal artist and contributed significantly to the development of English porcelain. His work in both portraiture and porcelain had a lasting impact on the art and decorative arts of the 18th century. Frye's legacy is marked by his ability to blend artistic creativity with technical innovation, influencing subsequent generations of artists and craftsmen.