Robert Johnson (1770-1796) – draughtsman and engraver – born in County Durham and apprenticed as a copperplate-engraver. Developing as an artist, Johnson began to produce book illustrations and drawings. In 1794, Johnson set himself up in Newcastle as a copperplate-engraver. In the summer of 1796, Johnson accepted a commission from the Morison family of Perth to copy a number of portraits by George Jamestone sited at Taymouth Castle, Kenmore (home of the Earl of Breadalbane). Three-quarters of the way though the job, Johnson took ill and died on 26 October 1796. He was buried at Taymouth Castle. Johnson’s artistic output includes topographical drawings and watercolours. Some of his work is housed in the National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh.
