John Ayres d.ca.1705

From Book Owners Online

John AYRES d.ca.1705

Biographical Note

Little is known of Ayres’s early life. He reportedly worked as a footman for Sir William Ashurst and was taught writing by Thomas Topham. He became a writing master and author of works on calligraphy and penmanship, teaching handwriting and accounts in St Paul's Churchyard. Samuel Pepys’ Calligraphical Collection contained five of Ayres’ works. Ayres’ presence in this collection is testament to his prominence as calligrapher in the late seventeenth century.

Books

Ayres is listed in Edward Bernard's Catalogi manuscriptorum, 1697 as owning a number of manuscripts.

Sources