John Flaxman, 1755-1826

Flaxman was born in York on 6 July 1755. He was a sickly child but showed a great aptitude for drawing. He spent his early life in London and attended the Academy Schools. He became known as a great sculptor and draughtsman, with interests in art, architecture, engineering, construction, naval architecture and surveying. In 1787 he fulfilled a cherished ambition of travelling to Rome where he stayed until 1794. He returned to London in 1794, a famous artist. In 1810 he was appointed Professor of Sculpture in the Academy. He died in 1826.