Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Havell, Robert
HAVELL, ROBERT (fl. 1800–1840), painter, engraver, and publisher, was son of Daniel Havell, who appears to have been a brother of Luke Havell, the father of William Havell [q. v.], the water-colour painter. Daniel Havell published in 1826 ‘Historical and Descriptive Accounts of the Theatres of London,’ with views drawn and engraved by himself. Robert Havell, who worked jointly with his father for some time, set up for himself an establishment in Oxford Street, opposite the Pantheon, called the Zoological Gallery, where, besides the publication of works of art, an agency was formed for the sale of specimens, and other objects connected with natural history. In 1812 Daniel and Robert Havell published a series of ‘Picturesque Views on the River Thames,’ engraved by them in aquatint from drawings by W. Havell. These were the first of a series of aquatint engravings published by the Havells which attained a well-earned reputation. They kept a large staff of good artists working on them. Among the more important publications were Audubon's ‘Birds of America,’ Daniell's ‘Views in India,’ Dodswell's ‘Views in Greece,’ J. Baillie Fraser's ‘Views in the Himala Mountains,’ and Salt's ‘Views in Africa.’ In 1828 the partnership of Havell and his son Robert (see below) was dissolved and their stock dispersed.
Havell, Robert, the younger (fl. 1820–1850), painter, engraver, and publisher, was a fair landscape-painter, and, after the dissolution of his partnership with his father, he went with his wife and daughter to America, where he settled, and continued to pursue his career as a landscape-painter with some success.
[Redgrave's Dict. of Artists; sale catalogue, 27 May 1828; publications by Havell & Son; private information.]