INTRODUCTORY NOTICE
TO THE FIRST EDITION.
THE Works of the late JOHNK AY illustrate an interesting epoch in the history of
the Scottish capital. Throughout the greater part of half a century the Artist
devoted himself with enthusiasm to his novel undertaking ; and while he contributed
in no common degree to gratify and amuse the public of his own day, his graphic
productions form a record which cannot fail to prove acceptable in after times.
Although the Etchings may not be entitled to rank high in the scale of art, they
are nevertheless valuable as the unaided efforts of one who owed nothing to adventitious
circumstances ; while the general accuracy for which the Portraitures are
distinguished is a merit peculiarly his own. The intuitive facility of the Artist’s
pencil in this way must appear incredible, when it is known that, with few exceptions,
they were executed from casual observation-the impression probably of a passing
glance. Indeed, in many instances, they could not have been otherwise obtained.
Kay appears to have long entertained the idea of giving his Works to the world
in a more permanent form. So early as 1792-assisted, it is believed, by a person
of the name of Callender ’-he had drawn up notes descriptive of the Prints, with a
biographical notice of his own life. The want of pecuniary means probably formed
the great obstacle to the execution of his plan ; and the venerable Caricaturist died
at the age of eighty-four without having lived long enough to be gratified by the
realisation of his wishes. His widow made several unsuccessful proposals for the
disposal of the Plates ; and, after her death, having been brought to public sale by
her trustees, they fell into my possession.
In carrying the intentions of the Caricaturist into effect, I have spared no
The notes
He waa a dabbler in politics, and is understood to have
In the Life of Dr. Jamea Anderson (see Cbdms’s Swt. Bwy. a t . ) some notice
exertion to render the Work as varied and interesting as possible.
Very little is known respecting Callender.
emigrated to America.
is taken of him in connection with an occnrrence not much to his credit.
