Author Describes Revolutionary-Era Engraver and Forger

On Thursday, October 29, 2015, the Newport Historical Society will host author Deborah M. Child to present an illustrated talk on engraver and diesinker Richard Brunton based on her new book Solder, Engraver, Forger: Richard Brunton’s Life on the Fringe in America’s New Republic.

Richard Brunton first arrived in Boston harbor with the British army in 1774 and fought in many of the key battles of the American Revolution, including the Battle of Newport. When he deserted in 1779, he initially tried to make an honest living at his craft first in Boston and then in Providence before taking to the road and resorting to counterfeiting coin and paper currency to secure a livelihood. For this he was incarcerated on at least three occasions.

This 5:30 p.m. program takes place at the Newport Historical Society’s Resource Center at 82 Touro Street, Newport, RI. General admission costs $5 per person, $1 for NHS members. Seating is limited, please RSVP by emailing mdelaire@newporthistory.org or calling 401-846-0813 x110.

A book signing will follow the presentation.

An author, lecturer and independent curator, Child is a graduate of the Master of Arts Program at Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada. Her publications include Sketchbooks of John Samuel Blunt (Portsmouth Athenaeum, 2007) and she is a regular contributor to Antiques and Fine Art Magazine. To learn more about her work visit: deborahmchild.com.

This program is generously sponsored by The Jailhouse Inn.