John Hamilton Mortimer was born in Eastbourne in 1740.
Studied in London at the Duke of Richmond Academy became a friend of the artist Joseph Wright who was a fellow student. Later studied at the St. Martins Lane Academy. In 1760 became an active member of the Society of Artists, elected President in 1774. He exhibited at the Royal Academy 1778, elected Associate in the same year.
Revered by and influenced several younger artists including William Blake. In his short life, he produced and published a number of etchings including two series of ‘Shakespeare Characters’ comprising twelve examples in 1775 / 1776. He died in London in 1779.