Career
Born at Boldre, near Lymington, Hampshire, on 1 March 1790, Read went to London at an early age, and worked under John Scott the engraver. But, in poor health, he returned to the country. In January 1820 Read settled at Salisbury, where he lived in the Cathedral close until 1845.
He found employment as a drawing-master, and spent his spare time in sketching in pencil, water-colour, and oils.
On leaving Salisbury in 1845, Read spent more than a year in Italy. His health became seriously impaired towards the end of 1849, and he died at his residence, 24 Bedford Place, Kensington, London, on 28 May 1851.
Read presented to the British Museum in 1833 and 1842 two volumes containing 168 of his etchings. Another collection, formed by his patron Chambers Hall, went to the university galleries, Oxford, and then to the Ashmolean Museum.
A third was at Bridgewater House, collected by Francis Egerton, 1st Earl of Ellesmere.