John Martin: Architect of the Sublime John Martin (1789–1854) remains a profoundly enigmatic figure in British art, an artist whose dramatic visions and unconventional techniques captivated audiences during his lifetime and continue to resonate today. Born near Hexham in Northumberland, his early life was marked by a series of apprenticeships – first as a heraldic coach painter in Newcastle, then as a china painter – experiences that ultimately shaped his artistic trajectory. However, it was Martin’s encounter with the world of engraving, particularly through his work with Charles Muss, that…