Samuel Alken entered the Royal Academy Schools, London, as a sculptor in 1772. Later established himself as one of the most competent engravers in the new technique of aquatint. His works included plates for Sixteen views of the lakes in Cumberland and Westmorland after drawings John Emes and John Smith were published in 1796, and a set of aquatint views of North Wales after drawings by the Rev. Brian Broughton in 1798.