William Sharp began by engraving door-plates.
Tassie the sculptor and medallist, began life as a stone-cutter.

Having accidentally seen a collection of pictures, he aspired to become an artist and entered an academy to learn the elements of drawing.

He continued to work at his old trade until he was able to maintain himself by his new one.

He used his labour as the means of cultivating his skill in his more refined and elevated profession.
Chantry of Sheffield, was an economist both of time and money.

He saved fifty pounds out of his earnings as a carver and gilder; paid the money to his master, and cancelled his indentures.