Archibald George Blomefield Russell

Archibald George Blomefield Russell (20 June 1879 – 30 November 1955) was an English art historian and a long-serving officer of arms at the College of Arms in London.

Early life Russell was the fourth son of Theodosius Stuart Russell, Chief Constable of Yorkshire, and his wife Louisa Blomefield the daughter of Rev. Sir Thomas Blomefield, 3rd Baronet. Russell was educated at Eton and Christ Church, Oxford and became a journalist, art critic and art historian, writing works on William Blake.

Heraldic career Russell's heraldic career began on 10 November 1915 when he was made Rouge Croix Pursuivant of Arms In Ordinary. The vacancy in this office occurred due to the promotion of Arthur Cochrane to the office of Chester Herald earlier in the year. This appointment came as a result of the death of the previous Lancaster, Edward Bellasis. In his later years he was an ardent collector of moths and butterflies. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Antiquaries and a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society.

Published works The Prophetic Books of William Blake: Jerusalem, Ed., 1904. The Letters of William Blake; together with a Life by Frederick Tatham. Methuen, 1906. The Prophetic Books of William Blake: Milton, Ed., 1907. The engravings of William Blake, Houghton Mifflin, 1912.

Arms