Batenham
Life
George Batenham (1801-1821) was an English draughtsman and engraver. He was the son of George Batenham (c1770-1833) and Anne Batenham, Chester booksellers. About 1816 the Batenham's produced "Panoramic delineations of the four principal streets of the city if Chester" a plan of the city of Chester and a guide book to Chester. Batenham Jnr frequently worked with William Batenham - believed to be his brother. The 1816 series records the "face-on" view of The Rows in great detail and cane be usefully compared with the present day "Google Street View". The guidebook was probably written by the elder Batenham.
Batenham is mentioned in Hemingway's THE HISTORY OF THE CITY OF CHESTER (1831):
- "Immediately before the Northgate a shop on the left hand, level with the walls, is occupied by Mr. Batenham...who as well as his son is...deserving of mention for the many small, but useful publications...of...local topography and antiquities of Chester embellished with numerous wood engravings...and several separate engravings of...views in the city and neighbourhood"
Batenham's father produced a series of portraits, including a number of silhouettes. He appears to have been born in Phwelli and moved via Caernarvon, St. Asaph, and Wrexham, to Chester. Customers were advised Batenham could be contacted "...at Mr. Hunter's CHESTER where FRAMES ARE ELEGANTLY FINISHED" (see: Hunter Street). His mother Ann (dec.1844) gave birth to 5 sons and 3 daughters between 1800 and 1819. Between pregnancies, she wrote "A Traveller's Companion in an Excursion from Chester to North Wales (1818)". Published by her husband, it was reprinted in 1827.
Works
- The Stranger's Companion in Chester; being a familiar guide to its public buildings, institutions, and other places remarkable either for their curiosity or antiquity. George Batenham (1827);
- The Stranger's Companion in Chester; being a familiar guide to its public buildings, institutions, and other places remarkable either for their curiosity or antiquity. George Batenham (1821: first edition)
- A Visit to the Cathedral Church of Chester ... Illustrated by etchings, and an engraved ground plan of the building George Batenham (1827)
- Ancient Chester: a series of illustrations of the streets of this old city. Drawn and etched by George and William Batenham and John Musgrove - with preface and descriptions by Thomas Hughes.
