John Ayers

Biography
1650 - 17001 artwork for sale

About the artist

Ayres was an English writer who supposedly worked between the years of 1680 and 1700. His life was of humble origin, for both his place and exact date of birth are unknown. He was born into a poor country family, but became footman William Ashurst, alderman of London. His master sent him to school, where he improved his writing skills.

Soon he was able to set up as a teacher of writing and accounts in St. Paul’s Churchyard. His industry and ability procured him so many scholars his income increased almost five times. Around 1680 his publications of calligraphic works made him famous as one of the great reformers writing commonwealth and introducer of the beautiful Italian hand. Ayres continued teaching and publishing works until a sudden death from apoplexy, before 1709.
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