William Burgis

Background

William Burgis came from London to New York about 1718, and published by subscription "A South Prospect of ye Flourishing City of New York, " sending it to London to be engraved by John Harris.

Career

Having been successful in New York, William Burgis went to Boston and, with his associates, William Price and Thomas Selby, ran a series of advertisements in James Franklin's New England Courant from October 8, 1722, to January 6, 1723/24, which resulted in the publishing, by subscription, of "A South East View of the Great Town of Boston, " also engraved in London by John Harris, which gives the first known portrayal of a two-masted schooner in a view originating in America.

One of his said associates, Thomas Selby, Senior Warden of King's Chapel, and keeper of the Crown Coffee House, where Burgis resided, died rather suddenly, and his widow, Mehitable, who had inherited money from him, and had an estate of her own besides.

From that time on he is variously referred to in the records as draftsman, painter, innholder, taverner, and gentleman, until February 11, 1730/31, when he was defaulted in a civil suit, having apparently left town.

Achievements

• The name of Burgis is not forgotten, even at this end of the twentieth century, though best known, of course, in the two towns he honored with his attentions, New York and Boston. Burgis is associated with the following engraved works as delineator, engraver or publisher: "A Prospect of the Colledges in Cambridge in New England, " issued July 14, 1726, just too late for commencement; "A Draught of the Meeting-House of the Old (First) Church in Boston with the New Spire & Gallery, " issued June 5, 1727 (no copy known); "Plan of Boston in New England, " issued about July 3, 1729; "Boston Light, " issued August 11, 1729, engraved in "mezzotinto, " possibly the second plate so done in America and the only known work that carries Burgis's name as engraver; "View of the New Dutch Church (New York), founded A. D. 1727 and finished A. D. 1731" issued between July 31, 1731, and August 1, 1732.

Works

More photos

• book

  • Posterazzi Poster Print Collection Na View of New York City. Detail of a Engraving by William Burgis 1717, (24 x 36), Multicolored

    (New York City 1717. /Na View Of New York City. Detail Of ...)

Connections

He married William Burgis on October 1, 1728.

Wife:

William Burgis

associate:

William Price

associate:

Thomas Selby

References

• American historical prints: early views of American cities, etc.; 1497- 1891.
• The Memorial History of Boston: Including Suffolk County, Massachusetts, 1630-1880 (Classic Reprint)
• A Prospect of the Colledges in Cambridge in New England . Engraved By Wm. Burgis in 1726.