James Forsyth (sculptor)

James Forsyth (1827–1910) was a Scottish sculptor, best remembered for various fountains designed for William Ward, 1st Earl of Dudley (1817–1885) at Witley Court, Worcestershire, England, and in the town of Dudley. He was born in Kelso, Scotland, a son of Adam Forsyth, a mason.[1]

Notable works edit

Fountains, Witley Court edit

Fountains at Witley Court: Left: Perseus and Andromeda fountain (1858); right: Flora fountain (1857-9)[2]

Two immense fountains at Witley Court were designed by William Andrew Nesfield and executed by James Forsyth[3] and his brother William Forsyth,[4] who were carrying out sculpture in the house and the church. They survived the fire and subsequent despoliation of the house. The largest, the Perseus and Andromeda Fountain, has been restored to working order by English Heritage.[5]

Triumphal Arch Fountain, Dudley edit

 
Fountain, Dudley market place

A grade II structure designed by James Forsyth in 1867 and presented to the town of Dudley by the 1st Earl of Dudley. A triumphal arch ornamented with sculpture in the Flamboyant Italian Renaissance style, including heraldic dolphins and heraldic demi-sea horses, topped with female figure below a large cornucopia.[6]

Family edit

He is the father of James Nesfield Forsyth (1864-1942) a noted sculptor.[7]

Sources edit

References edit

  1. ^ Mapping the Practice and Profession of Sculpture in Britain and Ireland 1851-1951 [1]
  2. ^ "The Flora Fountain, Witley Court".
  3. ^ James Forsyth (1827–1910)
  4. ^ Witley Court, a Grand Ruin in Worcestershire
  5. ^ "Restoration of the "Perseus and Andromeda" Fountain". Archived from the original on 17 February 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
  6. ^ Listed Building text
  7. ^ "James Nesfield Forsyth - Mapping the Practice and Profession of Sculpture in Britain and Ireland 1851-1951". University of Glasgow. Archived from the original on 5 February 2023.