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Richard Westmacott (the elder)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Richard Westmacott (the elder) (1747–1808) was an 18th-century monumental sculptor and the beginning of a dynasty of one of Britain's most important sculpting families. He also specialised in fireplace design for many of England's grand country houses.

Life

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Memorial to Admiral Spry in St Anthony's church in Roseland

He was educated at Brasenose College, Oxford.[citation needed]

He married Sarah Vardy, daughter of Thomas Vardy,[1] carver, and niece of John Vardy, architect, and had thirteen children by her. He also had an affair with a widow, Susan Molloy, landlady of the "Bull and Horns" public house in Fulham and had at least one child by her also.[2]

Westmacott was declared bankrupt in 1803, and was likely supported thereafter by his by then successful son Richard.[citation needed]

He died in relative poverty in 1808.

Dynasty

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His sons include: George Westmacott (c. 1770 – 1827); Thomas Westmacott (architect) (c. 1775 – 1798); Sir Richard Westmacott (1775–1856) RA (the most successful and prodigious sculptor of the family); Henry Westmacott (sculptor) (1784–1861); Charles Molloy Westmacott, illegitimate son (1782–1868) (an author who dabbled in sculpture).

His grandsons included: James Sherwood Westmacott (1823–1900) (sculptor); and Richard Westmacott (the younger) (1799–1872) (sculptor).

Works

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References

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  1. ^ Will of Richard Westmacott https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ PROB 11/1483/154
  2. ^ Dictionary of British Sculptors 1660–1851, Rupert Gunnis
  • The Buildings of England, Nikolaus Pevsner