William Home Lizars (1788-1859)

William Home Lizars (1788-1859)
Lizars was born at Edinburgh in 1788. He was an artist and engraver, the son of Daniel Lizars, and brother of the surgeon John Lizars. His sister Jean (Jane) Home married Sir William Jardine. His father was a publisher and an engraver and Lizars was apprenticed to his father. He furthered his studies at the Trustees’ Academy, Edinburgh. Lizars took over his fathers business on his death. Lizars met J. J. Audubon in Edinburgh in October 1826 and agreed to publish Audubon’s, Birds of America. Lizars perfected a method of etching which performed the functions of wood-engraving, for illustration of books.

He died in Edinburgh on 30 March 1859, leaving a widow and family. Lizars took an active part in the foundation of the Royal Scottish Academy.