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