Robert Branston was born at Lynn, in Norfolk, in 1778. He learned engraving and painting from his father, and moved to London to become a wood-engraver around 1802. Starting out making lottery-bills, he soon became a very excellent wood-engraver, especially known for his skill in depicting human figures. His master-piece is 'The Cave of Despair' (1822). His work is found in 'Puckle's Club, 1817', 'Butler's Hudibras, 1819', 'Northcote's Fables' and 'Charles Knight's Edition of Shakespeare'. The pictures shown here are from 'The Comical Cat' (1818), a humorous piece which was soon imitated in America.
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