170

FRYE. in consequence of a heavy tax which was laid on the white clay used in i t , and which was procured from South Carolina; this necessarily occasioned the china t o b e sold a t a very high price; and after spending fifteen years i n constant attendance on the furnaces, he found his consti tution s o much impaired, that h e was compelled t o retire into Wales. The few vessels which were made under his directions were esteemed very fine, particularly i n the elegant designs and figures, i n which Frye's abilities are exhibited t o great advantage. Such o f them a s still re main are highly prized b y collectors; and i t i s observed, that i n some particulars, h e equalled, and even exceeded the Chinese themselves, particularly i n the transparency and the painting. They were, however, defective i n their glazing. From the ruins o f this manufactory, that a t Chelsea, the remains o f which are s o highly esteemed, and that a t Worcester, which has since attained almost unrivalled perfection, derived their origin. During his journey t o Wales, and while h e remained there, h e resumed his former occupation o f portrait paint ing, and received great encouragement. By this excur sion h e completely renovated his constitution, and o n his return t o London, about twelve months after, h e took a house i n Hatton-Garden. He now devoted himself with great assiduity t o his profession, and a t the commence ment o f the reign o f his late majesty, h e published his portrait, and that o f his consort, which were exe cuted during a frequent attendance a t the theatres, their public appearance i n which being the only opportunity h e could obtain t o procure their likenesses. I t i s reported, that this was perceived, and that both their majesties had the condescension t o look towards the artist, i n order t o afford him a n opportunity o f perfecting his work. These were executed i n a very superior style o f mezzotinto ( a branch o f engraving h e had lately undertaken); the hair i n particular may vie with the most highly finished en gravings, and the lace and drapery were equally exquisite. He afterwards executed about sixteen heads of the same