Andrew Bell was an eccentric Scottish engraver best known for co-founding the Encyclopædia Britannica with Colin Macfarquhar. Stories abound regarding this colourful gentleman and it’s said that, despite his small stature (4 foot 6), he deliberately rode the tallest horse in Edinburgh - requiring a ladder to dismount.

He led a fascinating career and, having trained many others, is today described as ‘the most influential Scottish engraver after Richard Cooper’.

1726

Born in Edinburgh, his father a baker.

Apprenticed under Richard Cooper.

1756

Married Anne Wake, the daughter of an excise officer.

1768

First edition of Encyclopædia Britannica published with almost every copperplate engraving produced by Bell.

1809

Died.