Details of Sculptor

Surname

Bedford

Alternative Surname

First Name

John and Sons, of London

Initial of Surname

B

Year of Birth/Baptism

Flourished

1809-98

Year of Death

Biographical Details

This popular monumental masonry firm had a yard in Oxford Street. Gunnis thought most of their work ‘apt to be obvious and conventional in design’ but on a few occasions, ‘not too unfortunate’ (Gunnis 1968, 44). Examples include the monument commemorating William Tallents, which has a profile relief portrait surrounded by a wreath half hidden by drapery (14). The firm was responsible for a number of naval and military memorials, including those commemorating Edward Long, Mrs Dawson, Captain Ellice, Barkly and Hugh Reid (1, 22, 36, 58, 63).The first two feature reliefs of the wreck of the Isis and a mourning naval officer, while the last depicts the captain in naval uniform, standing against the white ensign, his telescope tucked under his arm and his cap at his feet. The monument to Captain Henry Trelawney has a relief of a uniformed soldier mourning at the sarcophagus of his dead comrade (32).
Thomas Bedford of Mulgrave Road, Sutton, Surrey, who died on 9 February 1875 aged 78, was presumably a family member, since his will states that he was formerly of Oxford Street and his two sons, both executors, are described as of 256 Oxford Street. On his death certificate he is described as a ‘Gentleman’. He evidently executed the monument in Bridgetown Cathedral, Barbados, which is signed ‘T. Bedford, 256 Oxford Street’ (15).
Literary References: Gunnis 1968, 44-5; Potterton 1975, 36
Archival References: GPC