James Smith (sculptor)

James Smith (1775–1815) was an early 18th century English sculptor.

Life

Smith lived in the Marylebone district of London. He was the son of James Smith, also a sculptor or stonemason.[1]

He trained under the London-based Italian sculptor Locatelli from 1789 to around 1794. From 1795 he attended the Royal Academy Schools. In 1797 he won their Gold Medal for "Venus Wounded by Diomede". After training he joined the studio of John Charles Felix Rossi.[2]

After 1805 he became assistant to John Flaxman. He also assisted Mrs Damer on several works.

In 1810 he was commissioned by the Common Council of Aldermen to create a cenotaph to Admiral Nelson for the Guildhall, London.[3] This marble monument cost £4442 (£360,000 in 2021) and was won in competition against his mentor Charles Rossi and against the recommendation of the Royal Academy. The Aldermen however were very slow in paying his bill.[4]

He died in London on 28 April 1815.[5]

Family

He was father to Charles Raymond Smith who was also a sculptor, creating the infamous tomb of Grace Darling in Bamburgh churchyard. He may have also had a second son, Thomas Smith.[6]

Known works

References
  1. "Charles Raymond Smith - Mapping the Practice and Profession of Sculpture in Britain and Ireland 1851-1951".
  2. Dictionary of British Sculptors 1660-1859 by Rupert Gunnis
  3. "The Monument in Guildhall of the City of London in Commemoration of Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson".
  4. "1806 the Indifference of Sculptors".
  5. Gentlemans Magazine 1819 part 1
  6. "Charles Raymond Smith - Mapping the Practice and Profession of Sculpture in Britain and Ireland 1851-1951".
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