Westmacott, SIR RICHARD, R.A.

Westmacott, SIR RICHARD, R.A., an eminent sculptor, the son of Richard Westmacott, also a sculptor, was born in London in 1775. In 1793 he went to Rome to complete his studies, where he became in some sort a pupil of the celebrated Canova. His progress was rapid, and he carried off the highest prizes, in particular a gold medal given by the pope. In 1797 he returned to London, where his success in his art was not for a moment doubtful. In 1805 he was elected an A.R.A., in 1816 R.A.; and in 1835 the university of Oxford conferred upon him the honorary degree of D.C.L. Two years afterwards the honour of knighthood was bestowed on him. In 1827 he succeeded Flaxman as professor of Sculpture at the Academy. He died September 1, 1856. The works by which he is chiefly known are public monumental statues, in some of which he had much success. Of these it may suffice to mention his monuments in Westminster Abbey to Pitt, Fox, Perceval, and Addison, and in St Paul's to Sir Ralph Abercromby and Lord Collingwood. Many of his works in the antique classical manner are also of exquisite beauty and finish.—RICHARD WESTMACOTT, R.A., son of the foregoing, was born in London in 1799. He passed six years in Italy (1820–26), and after his return to London he gradually won a reputation for himself as one of the ablest sculptors of the day. He was elected F.R.S. in 1837, became A.R.A. in 1838, and R.A. in 1849. He succeeded his father in the professorship of Sculpture in 1859, a post which he filled with distinguished ability and acceptance. He died April 19, 1872. He contributed to three encyclopædias, and wrote a pamphlet on Colouring Statues, and a Handbook of Sculpture (1864).