08/03/2026
In celebration of International Women's Day we're throwing the spotlight on Jane Bewick (1787– 1881); editor and oldest daughter of Thomas Bewick.
It's fair to say that Jane badgered her father to document his life in a personal memoir. Thomas began the manuscript in November 1822 as a direct address to her: "My Dear Jane, It is in compliance with your wish that I have... made up my mind to give you some account of my life."
The resulting memoir - published posthumously in 1862 as 'A Memoir of Thomas Bewick, Written by Himself '- was edited by Jane but her role was more than that of editor, or indeed loving daughter. Jane shaped the memoir, selecting anecdotes and weaving in family stories and memories, including those of daily life at Cherryburn and young Thomas's childhood pranks. She supervised the inclusion of Bewick's engravings and added footnotes for context as well as creating the appendix with unfinished works, ensuring her father's legacy.
Jane, together with her sister Isabella, preserved and venerated Thomas Bewick's work and life. Testament to her brilliance, but also the incredibly close bond the family shared.
(Engraving shows Little Red Riding Hood by Thomas Bewick, illustration to 'The History of Little Red Riding Hood' (Newcastle upon Tyne: Saint, 1777).
