Richard Barter (sculptor) facts for kids

Richard Barter (born around 1824 – died 5 January 1896) was a talented Irish sculptor. He was known for creating detailed sculptures, especially busts, which are sculptures of a person's head and shoulders.

Early Life and Education

Richard Barter was born around 1824 in a town called Macroom in County Cork, Ireland. When he was about 20 years old, in 1844, he started studying at the Royal Dublin Society's School. He was a very promising student. In 1847, while still learning, he won a special prize from the Irish Art Union for a small statue he made called Venus and Cupid.

Friendships and Travels

During his time as a student, Richard Barter became friends with Daniel O'Connell. O'Connell was a very important Irish political leader who worked for the rights of Irish people.

Barter later moved to London for a few years. There, he met another famous sculptor named John Henry Foley, and they became lifelong friends. After a short time back in Dublin, Richard Barter decided to settle in County Cork again. He moved to St Ann's Hill in Blarney in 1853. Besides being a sculptor, he also enjoyed music and played a type of flute called a flageolet.

Showing His Art

Richard Barter was a busy artist who showed his work in many important exhibitions. In 1851, his sculptures were part of the famous Great Exhibition in London, which was a huge event showcasing art and inventions from around the world.

He mostly created sculptures of people's heads and shoulders, known as portrait busts. He also made small groups of figures. He showed his art at the Royal Hibernian Academy in 1845, 1847, and 1851. Many of these were tiny busts made from ivory. Later, between 1864 and 1874, he also occasionally showed his work at the Royal Academy of Arts in London.

Later Life and Legacy

Richard Barter passed away on 5 January 1896, at St Ann's. He was buried in St. Finbarr's Cemetery in Cork. His sculptures continue to be important examples of Irish art from the 1800s.

Famous Sculptures

Here are some of the well-known sculptures created by Richard Barter:

• Bust of Daniel O'Connell (1847)
• Bust of Catherine Hayes (1851)
• Bust of Thomas Little
• Bust of Charles Stewart Parnell (a famous Irish politician)