Sir richard westmacott biography definition

Sir Richard Westmacott RA was one of the most successful sculptors of the earlier 19th Century, eclipsing his father and son, both also named Richard Westmacott, and other sculptor members of the family.

Sir richard westmacott biography definition

His most famous works are the pediment of the British Museum and the giant statue of Achilles in Hyde Park.

The sculptor Richard Westmacott studied under his father, Richard Westmacott the Elder, before going to Rome in 1793 to become a pupil of Canova.

He achieved rapid success, and in 1797 was able to return to England and set up his own studio, next to the parental residence in Mount Street, London. He exhibited work at the Royal Academy from that year through until 1839, and was elected ARA in 1805 and RA in 1811.

He was Professor of Sculpture at the Royal Academy from 1827 (after Flaxman), and was knighted in 1837. His studio, which by 1818 had expanded to the point where he had to go round the corner to larger premises in South Audley Street, was s