John Lawlor (sculptor) facts for kids
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John Lawlor (born around 1820 in Dublin, Ireland; died 1901 in London, England) was a talented Irish sculptor. He was also a medallist, meaning he designed and made medals. In 1861, he became a member of the Royal Hibernian Academy, a famous art group in Ireland.
John Lawlor spent most of his working life in London. He was known for creating beautiful sculptures inspired by poems and for making realistic statues of people's heads and shoulders, called portrait busts. Some of his most famous works include statues in London, a bronze statue of Patrick Sarsfield in Limerick (made in 1881), and a statue of Bishop Delany in Cork (made in 1889).
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Early Life and Training
John Lawlor learned his art skills at the Royal Dublin Society's Schools. There, he studied sculpture with a teacher named John Smyth.
In 1843, a group called the Royal Irish Art Union bought one of his sculptures. It was called "Cupid pressing Grapes into the Glass of Time." This sculpture was given as a prize to the Countess of Ranfurly. The next year, in 1844, he showed another sculpture called "Boy and Dog" at the Royal Hibernian Academy.
Lawlor was one of eight artists chosen to create special plaques for the corners of the Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens, London. He also made a very large sculpture group for the memorial called "Engineering."
Moving to London
In 1845, John Lawlor moved to London. He quickly became known as a skilled sculptor. For a while, he worked with another sculptor named John Thomas. Together, they helped create some of the many figures that decorate the outside of the Houses of Parliament. It's hard to tell exactly which figures each artist made.
In 1847, Lawlor joined the Royal Academy schools after John Thomas recommended him. He had his first art show at the Royal Academy in 1848.
Exhibitions and Famous Works
John Lawlor continued to show his art at the Royal Hibernian Academy from 1844 onwards. His sculpture "Bather" was shown there in 1851. It was also displayed at the Dublin International Exhibition in 1853. Later, a marble version of "Bather" was made for Prince Albert and placed at Osborne House in 1856.
Two other works, a small statue called "Solitude" and a group sculpture titled "Suffer little Children to come unto Me," were bought by the Art Union. These were shown at the famous London Exhibition of 1851.
Other sculptures by Lawlor that were highly praised include "Titania," a marble statue shown at the Royal Academy in 1868, "The Emigrant" from 1853, and "Clio."
Later Career and Travel
In 1886, John Lawlor traveled to America. He received several art jobs there and stayed until the autumn of 1888. When he returned, he spent some time in Cork, Ireland. There, he finished the statue of Bishop Delany, which was placed outside the Cathedral. He also made some statues for a church in Queenstown (now Cobh), Cork.
Lawlor created many portrait busts, including those of important figures like "Daniel O'Connell," "Smith O'Brien," John O'Connor Power, and "James O'Kelly, M.P." He was a popular person in London's art and writing groups. People enjoyed his tall look, quick wit, friendly manner, and good singing voice.
He didn't always work steadily, only when he felt like it or needed money. Because of this, he didn't save much for his old age. He remained unmarried his whole life.
Family and Connections
John Lawlor's sister, Bridget, married a blacksmith named John Kelly and stayed in Dublin. After her husband died in 1861, Bridget, who was not well, moved to London with her five children. Her youngest son, Aloysius, later became a skilled painter known as Aloysius O'Kelly.
In London, John Lawlor quietly supported the Irish Republican Brotherhood, also known as the Fenians. This was a group that wanted Ireland to be independent. He was careful to keep his political beliefs separate from his public art life. His home was considered a safe place for members of the movement.
