John Scott (1774–1827) was an English engraver renowned for his depictions of animals. He was born on 12 March 1774 in Newcastle-on-Tyne, where his father, John Scott, worked in a brewery. At the age of twelve, he was apprenticed to a tallow-chandler. However, upon completing his apprenticeship, he moved to London. There, his fellow-townsman Robert Pollard provided him with two years of instruction while also paying him.
After his time with Pollard, Scott secured employment from John Wheble, the proprietor of the Sporting Magazine. For many years, he created portraits of racehorses that were published in the magazine, establishing his reputation among English animal engravers.
Scott continued his work until 1821 when a stroke of paralysis effectively ended his career. During his final years, he received assistance from the Artists’ Benevolent Fund, an organization he had helped establish. John Scott passed away at his residence in Chelsea, London, on 24 December 1827. He left behind a widow and several daughters. One of his sons, John R. Scott, also became an engraver and produced some plates for the Sporting Magazine.
