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Joseph Theakston

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Joseph Theakston (1772 – 14 April 1842) was a 19th-century British sculptor mainly working in the Hellenistic style.

He was called the "ablest (most able) drapery or ornamental carver of his time".[1]

Life

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He was the son of John Theakston (1735-1780) of St Michael's Parish, Spurriergate in York and his wife, Sarah Hague (1744-1789). His father died when he was young.[2]

He was apprenticed in 1786, at the standard age of 14, to the sculptor John Fisher of York. He was declared a Freeman stonemason in 1794 and went to London where he studied further under John Bacon the Elder, before becoming an assistant to John Flaxman and then Edward Hodges Baily. From 1818 to 1848, he was assistant to Francis Chantrey. He specialised in the foliage, torsos drapery and details, where Chantrey etc concentrated on faces and hands.[3][4]

He exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1809 to 1837 and at the British Institution from 1813 to 1819.[2]

He died at Belgrave Place in Belgravia London on 14 April 1842 and was buried with his wife in Kensal Green Cemetery. His will was settled on 12 November 1842 and is held at the National Archives in Kew.[5]

Works

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Family

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He was married to Elizabeth Pearson (1775 – 1833) and had at least nine children.

References

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  1. ^ Gentleman's Magazine, 1842, part 1, p. 672
  2. ^ a b ODNB: Joseph Theakston
  3. ^ Dictionary of British Sculptors 1660-1851 by Rupert Gunnis, p. 384
  4. ^ "Biography of Joseph Theakston Sculptor 1772-1842". Twentytrees.co.uk. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
  5. ^ "Will of Joseph Theakston, Sculptor of Belgrave Place Pimlico , Middlesex | The National Archives". Discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk. Retrieved 2022-07-03.