Fine Statuary Marble Bust Of James Montgomery ( sold )
A fine white marble bust of James Montgomery, the socle inscribed JAMES MONTGOMERY BORN 1771 DIED 1854 and signed on the back EDWIN SMITH Sc 1843, beautifully carved with great detail and depth.
Edwin Smith was born in Sheffield and studied at the Royal Academy, he is known to have produced busts for various Sheffield buildings and monuments including one at Rotherham parish church.
James Montgomery was born in Irvine, Scotland on the 4th November 1771 and raised in and theologically trained by the Moravian Church. He was a hymn writer, poet and editor, his writings reflected concern for humanitarian causes such as the abolition of slavery and the exploitation of child chimney sweeps. He died on the 30th April, 1854 in Broomhill, Sheffield and was honoured by a public funeral. There is a memorial statue for him on the Sheffield Cathedral forecourt.