George Baxter was a British artist and printer based in London, known for developing a method of printing in color that was a precursor to color lithography. Born on July 31, 1804, in Lewes, Sussex, England, Baxter was the son of a typographer, which influenced his early interest in printing techniques.
During the 1820s, Baxter established his own printing business and began experimenting with various methods of color printing. His breakthrough came in the 1830s when he patented 'Baxter's Process,' which involved using a steel keyplate to outline the image and then applying oil colors to the print through a series of wood or metal blocks. This allowed for the mass production of high-quality, affordable color prints, which was revolutionary at the time, as color printing was typically both expensive and labor-intensive.
Baxter's prints covered a wide range of subjects, including religious scenes, landscapes, and portraits. He also produced picture books for children and color plates for books and periodicals. His work was exhibited at the Great Exhibition in 1851, and he gained considerable fame during his lifetime. However, with the advent of cheaper and faster printing methods, his process eventually became obsolete.
Despite his innovations in printing technology, Baxter's business faced financial difficulties later in his life, and he was declared bankrupt in 1865. He died on January 11, 1867, in London. Today, George Baxter is remembered for his contributions to the art of printing and his role in the history of graphic reproduction. His prints are still appreciated for their technical skill and aesthetic quality and are collected by enthusiasts around the world.
