James Deacon was an English miniature painter, known as an artist and as a musician.

In 1746 the miniature-painter Christian Friedrich Zincke

Christian Friedrich Zincke

Christian Friedrich Zincke was a German miniature painter active in England in the 18th century.-Life:He was born in Dresden and died in London. He apprenticed his father and also studied painting. In 1706 he came to London to work at Charles Boit's studio, and when Boit left for France 8 years...

 was obliged to give up his house in Tavistock Street, Covent Garden

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a district in London on the eastern fringes of the West End, between St. Martin's Lane and Drury Lane. It is associated with the former fruit and vegetable market in the central square, now a popular shopping and tourist site, and the Royal Opera House, which is also known as...

, and retire from his profession due to failing eyesight. Deacon then took this house and the goodwill of the older painter's business. In the print room of the British Museum

British Museum

The British Museum is a museum of human history and culture in London. Its collections, which number more than seven million objects, are amongst the largest and most comprehensive in the world and originate from all continents, illustrating and documenting the story of human culture from its...

 there are miniatures by him of the marine painter Samuel Scott and his wife.

He had not long been established in his profession when, attending as a witness at the Old Bailey

Old Bailey

The Central Criminal Court in England and Wales, commonly known as the Old Bailey from the street in which it stands, is a court building in central London, one of a number of buildings housing the Crown Court...

, apparently at the 'Black Sessions,' he caught gaol fever and died in May 1750.