William Hole

Who is William Hole?

William Hole was a skilled English engraver who died in 1624 though the date of his birth is uncertain. In 1607 he engraved the title page for a London edition of the Breeches Bible. Hole’s work suggests French influence, he engraved for music by composers, Dr John Bull, William Byrd and Orlando Gibbons. This and other works by Hole were the first time that intaglio copperplate engraving was used for English music scores. For many books, Hole engraved a portrait of the author, such as John Florio's 1611 Italian and English dictionary, George Chapman's 1616 translation of the Iliad, and George Wither's 1617 book of poems. Hole also made maps and travelogue material. Some of Hole’s work is in the British Museum.