John William Orr

Place: Buffalo

Born: 1815

Death: 1887

Biography:

John William Orr, known professionally as J. W. Orr, was a prominent American wood engraver who drew many of his own illustrations and owned his own engraving and printing business. He was born in Ireland on March 31, 1815, and was brought to Buffalo, New York in his infancy.

Early Life and Education

In 1836, he completed his instruction in drawing and engraving in New York City under the distinguished William Redfield. He returned to Buffalo, where he practiced wood-engraving and published several illustrated books, including Orr's Pictorial Guide to Niagara Falls (1842), for which he designed and engraved the illustrations.

Career

He went to Albany, New York in 1842 as artist and engraver for The Country Gentleman and while there was awarded a gold medal for the best engravings of animals. In 1844 he settled in New York City, where his first employment was on Harper Brothers' Illustrated Shakespeare. It was not long before he had his own business, a wood-engraving and printing establishment at 75 and 77 Nassau Street, New York. Notable Works Some of his notable works include rare illustrations of street life in New York City. His son, Louis Herbert Orr, was a successful typographer.

Awards and Recognition

He was awarded a gold medal for the best engravings of animals while working at The Country Gentleman in Albany, New York.

• Gold Medal for the best engravings of animals
• Published several illustrated books, including Orr's Pictorial Guide to Niagara Falls
• Worked on Harper Brothers' Illustrated Shakespeare

Legacy

John William Orr's work can be found in various museums and collections, including the Library of Congress, which has 40 library catalogue records of his work. More information about his life and work can be found on Wikioo.org and Wikipedia. Some of his contemporaries, such as Frans Hals, can be found on Wikioo.org. His work is an important part of American art history and continues to be celebrated today.