Did you know that a renowned sculptor once lived and died right here? This blue plaque commemorates Joseph Nollekens. It marks the spot where he lived and worked. Let’s delve into the life of this fascinating artist.
Joseph Nollekens was born in London in 1737. His father was Josef Frans Nollekens a Flemish painter. Joseph first studied sculpture under Peter Scheemakers. Later, he honed his skills in Rome. In Rome, he worked as an antiques dealer and restorer. He also copied sculptures.
Nollekens returned to London in 1770. He established his studio at 9 Mortimer Street now number 44. He quickly gained fame as a portrait sculptor. Nollekens became one of the most fashionable sculptors in Britain.
He secured patronage from King George III. Nollekens sculpted many British political figures. These included William Pitt the Younger and Charles James Fox. He also created busts of artists like Benjamin West. Many of his subjects appeared in classical attire.
His sculpture Faith stands out as a masterpiece. Henry Howard commissioned it. It commemorates his wife Maria’s death after childbirth. You can see this sculpture at Wetheral’s Parish Church in Cumbria.
Though Nollekens meticulously crafted the details, assistants often made the marble versions. Sebastian Gahagan and L. Alexander Goblet were among them. Nollekens’ bust of Pitt was replicated over 70 times.
Nollekens joined the Royal Academy as an associate in 1771. He became a full academician the next year. Mary Moser, a celebrated artist, painted his portrait. It now hangs in the Yale Center for British Art.
He amassed a considerable fortune. Upon his death in London in 1823 he left around £200000 in his will. William Behnes created his monument in St James’s Church Paddington.
John Thomas Smith, his executor, wrote a biography titled “Nollekens and his Times”. It portrayed him as a grotesque miser. Some say he inspired the character of the miser Briggs in “Cecilia”.
So here at 44 Mortimer Street Joseph Nollekens lived sculpted and left his mark on the world. The blue plaque reminds us of his legacy. It connects us to the life of this influential sculptor.