From Staunton's account of British Ambassador's Visit to China. Illustrated by William Alexander. Published Apr 12 1796, Nicol. Pl.34, 'Plan and Section of Sluice of Grand Canal'. Full Plate. Uncoloured. Image 24x28cm.
 
William Alexander was born in Maidstone, Kent, in Southeast England, in 1767. He became a student at the Royal Academy in 1784. In 1792, at the age of just 25, he was given the opportunity of a lifetime: he was chosen to accompany Lord Macartney's embassy to China as a junior draughtsman.