Early Life and Career Born: Birmingham, United Kingdom (1746), baptized May 20, 1746 in St Martin's parish church. Parents: Richard Ashford. Moved to Dublin, Ireland, in 1764 at age eighteen. Initially worked in the Ordnance Office, checking armaments. Married around 1775; had two sons and one daughter. Early works included flower paintings and still lifes. Exhibited with the Society of Artists on William…