Thomas Lewis Atkinson (1817-c. 1890) is described in the Benezit Dictionary of Artists as 'one of the shining representatives of English engraving'. Atkinson was born in Salisbury and exhibited portraits and hunting scenes at the Royal Academy from 1857 to 1899. Examples of his prints of noblemen, military figures and politicians are held by NPG London, as are his mezzotints of Sarah Siddons and the Duchess of Devonshire (both after Thomas Gainsborough).