Thomas White (sculptor)

Thomas White of Worcester (1674–1748) was an 18th century British sculptor and architect.

Admiral Skynner Memorial in Ledbury Church

Life edit

 
Statue of Queen Anne on Worcester Guildhall

He was born and raised in Worcester. He went to London around 1686 and became apprenticed to a stonemason in the Piccadilly district.[1] Some sources also state that he was a pupil of Christopher Wren. His architectural works do bear some similarities. Working in a stoneyard in central London in this period would have certainly brought him into contact with Wren.[2]

Having served his apprenticeship he returned to Worcester around 1694 and in 1709 the city declared him a Freeman of the City for his fine statue of Queen Anne which sits above the entrance of the city's Guildhall.[3]

He spent most of his working life in Worcester but created work of very high quality. From around 1720 he began to receive commissions for churches.[4] He operated two stoneyards: one in Worcester and one in Shrewsbury.[3]

He died unmarried in 1748. In his will he left a substantial sum to the newly built Worcester Infirmary.[5]

Works edit

References edit

  1. ^ Dictionary of British Sculptors 1660-1851 by Rupert Gunnis p.86
  2. ^ "The city of Worcester: City churches and advowsons | British History Online". www.british-history.ac.uk.
  3. ^ a b Dictionary of British Sculptors 1660-1851 by Rupert Gunnis p.430
  4. ^ Burlington Magazine vol.84 May 1944
  5. ^ "History of Worcester Royal Infirmary". wrinl.org.uk.
  6. ^ "Henrietta Wrottesley (1688-1719) - Find a Grave..." www.findagrave.com.