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Who were Baxter's Licensees?

George Baxter produced large quantities of about 400 different subjects and brought colour printing to the masses. Although his work was initially used as book illustrations, he soon found a market for his prints as decorative subjects for the home and was a catalyst for many other printers who recognised the commercial potential of this type of work.

George Baxter's " The Coronation" published 1841

His work was widely used by the London Missionary Society and attracted great interest from the Royal Family, especially Prince Albert who encouraged Baxter to exhibit at the Great Exhibition of 1851.

Despite this, Baxter's printing business ended in bankruptcy in 1865 after having experienced financial problems for many years. Baxter's skill and talent as an artist is unquestionable, but as a businessman he was unable to convert his talent into commercial success.

When George Baxter's original patent expired in 1849, he was only granted a five year extension and, due to pressure from his creditors and the need to maximise his income, he was advised to grant licences to use his patented process. These were offered for 200 guineas a year, and despite the fact that this represented a small fortune, several printers became licensees enabling them to produce prints by the Baxter Process. These included Abraham Le Blond, Joseph Kronheim, Bradshaw & Blacklock, Joseph Mansell, William Dickes and Myers & Co. Some of the work produced by these licensees is also of an exceptional standard such as the set of 32 ovals printed by Le Blond, whilst other works are of a lower standard than the meticulous works of George Baxter.