Details of Sculptor

Surname

MacCarthy

Alternative Surname

First Name

John James Alexander

Initial of Surname

M

Year of Birth/Baptism

1776 -

Flourished

Year of Death

Biographical Details

In 1853 when he applied to the AGBI for assistance under the name John James MacCarthy Sexon, he gave a resumé of past activities. In 1805 he had held a lieutenancy in the 1st royal regiment ‘expecting to prosecute the Army as a profession, but an increase of twins to the family’ just as he was embarking for Cadiz induced his Colonel, the Duke of Kent, to send for him at Kensington Palace. Here in the course of conversation the Duke discovered MacCarthy’s flair for art, and advised him to abandon the Army and turn to sculpture and painting. MacCarthy, by his own account, painted pictures of his patron and King George III and prepared many models (1). He had a large family, most of whom were artists. They included S J J MacCarthy, H W MacCarthy, Carlton MacCarthy and Amelia and Gertrude MacCarthy.
Literary References: Gunnis 1968, 247
Archival References: AGBI, vol 5, 221