Background
Smith was born in Cheapside, London, where his father was a silk merchant.
Smith was born in Cheapside, London, where his father was a silk merchant.
He was educated at Merchant Taylors" School, and at first articled to an uncle named Hoole, a solicitor. But he transferred to James Taylor, an engraver and younger brother to Isaac Taylor, with whom he remained until 1782.
Subsequently he became an assistant to James Heath, and then one of the leading English line engravers. Smith died of apoplexy on 23 June 1819.