Sir Hamo Thornycroft R.A.., ca.1884

From: Joseph Parkin Mayall

RA Collection: Art

A form lodged at the Copyright Office in 1883 confirms the location of the photograph to be the suite of studios next to the family home at Moreton House, Melbury Road. The first studio was used to house plaster copies of works by various members of the family, this and the second room were also used for 'pointing' - the marking out of points on the rough marble as a guide for carving the future sculpture. The next room was used by Thornycroft's assistants, whilst Thornycroft himself, used the inner studio as shown in the photograph. Approximately 35 feet in length, lit by a high lancet window, with walls painted a 'Pompeian' red, it had a high sloping roof and a fireplace designed by the artist. On either side of the fireplace are photographs of portions of the Elgin marbles. On the wall behind Thornycroft can been a photograph of the Venus de Milo, below are various busts and statuettes, evidence of Thornycroft's sympathy with early Greek Art.