Thomas Bewick, reviver of wood engraving in England, born at Cherryburn, Northumberland, Aug. 12, 1753, died at Gateshead, Nov. 8, 1828. He was apprenticed at the age of 14 to Mr. Ralph Beilby, engraver, at Newcastle-on-Tyne. Having executed in wood the diagrams for Hutton's "Treatise on Mensuration " (published in 1770) and other scientific works, he soon after attempted something better, and at the age of 22 obtained from the society of arts a premium for his wood engraving of the "Old Hound," one of a series of illustrations to Gay's fables. Some years later he illustrated a volume of select fables by Mr. Saint. In 1790 the first edition of the "History of Quadrupels," illustrated, was published by Mr. Beilby, who had received him into partnership (8th ed., 1824). The designs in this, as well as in Bulmer's editions of Goldsmith's "Deserted Village" and Parnell's "Hermit," were drawn and engraved by Thomas Bewick and his younger brother and pupil John. Their beauty, novelty, and admirable execution attracted general attention, and George III. would not believe they were woodcuts until he was shown the blocks. Somerville's " Chase " was the next work. All the engravings were by Thomas and the designs by John Bewick, who died of consumption in 1795, the year it was produced.

Thomas Bewick produced the first volume of his "British Birds," containing the land birds, in 1797, illustrated and partly written by himself. It ranks as the finest of his works. The second, volume appeared in 1804, about which time the partnership with Mr. Beilby was dissolved. He published "Select Fables" by AEsop and others, illustrated, in 1818, after which he engaged in preparing for an illustrated history of fishes, which was never completed. Among his pupils, who were numerous, Luke Clennel and William Harvev have most distinguished themselves. His autobiography was published in 1862.