Richard Westmacott, London, 1 Kensington Gate, to John Gibson

RA Collection: Archive

Archive context

Showing item 354 of 391 in this group

Reference code

GI/1/351

Title

Richard Westmacott, London, 1 Kensington Gate, to John Gibson

Date

06 Jan 1862

Level

Item

Extent & medium

1 piece

Historical Background

Seeking to improve his prospects, Gatley went to Rome in 1852. He took a studio near the Porta Pinciana and soon met the sculptor John Gibson, whose enthusiasm for Greek art he is said to have shared. Gatley contributed nine works to the International Exhibition of 1862. He had hoped to establish his reputation in England with these, but despite many favourable notices in the press he received no commissions. He returned to Rome bitterly disappointed, and died there in 1863. [DNB.]

Content Description

The committee [of the 1862 International Exhibition] had unanimously decided to accept Alfred Gatley's bas relief entitled 'Pharaoh and the Hosts' ['Pharaoh and his Army in the Red Sea' (1855-61).] However, they actually preferred another bas relief by Gatley, of which they had seen a photograph. Westmacott then goes on to discuss the sculpture that was to be exhibited from other countries, and mentions a proposed statue of the Prince Consort.

Associated Material

GI/1/349-351