William Alexander,
Artist,
Was born at Maidstone, April 10th, 1767. He became a student at the Royal Academy, 1784, and proceeded to China in 1792 as draughtsman with Lord Macartney's embassy. In this capacity he executed numerous drawings illustrative of Chinese scenery, which were published in 1798. He also illustrated "Barrow's Travels in China," and "Voyage to Cochin China." In 1805, he published a series of forty-eight coloured engravings, illustrative of the Costume of China, with explanatory letter-press. In 1808 he became keeper of the prints and drawings at the British Museum, in which office he executed the drawings of the ancient marbles and terra cottas published by the trustees in 1810. He died 23rd July, 1816.
[See Pilkington's "History of Painters," Russell's "History of Maidstone," "Gentlemen's Magazine," vol. 86, pt. 2.]