A Biographical Dictionary of Sculptors in Britain, 1660-1851
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Surname
Bennier
Alternative Surname
Besnier
First Name
Thomas
Initial of Surname
B
Year of Birth/Baptism
c1663
Flourished
Year of Death
1693
Biographical Details
Vertue writes that Bennier reputedly cast the bronze statue of James II by Grinling Gibbons in Trafalgar Square. He describes Bennier as ‘a curious ingenious Statuary. Born in England of French parents, his works in small in Marble from the Life, or modells are very fine. the anatomy figure commonly seen at apothecarys was from his Original model many other things are in the hands of the Curious of his doing. he was much imployed by Mr. Salmon for the wax work figures shown in Town. he us’d to cutt in Marble from the Life a Portrait for 2 guineas. being industrious & young & very quick at his work. he livd & died near fleet ditch aged about 30 ano 1693’ (Vertue I, 89). It seems likely that he was related to Isaac Besnier, who is known to have worked with Hubert Le Sueur. He was buried at St Ann’s, Blackfriars, on 18 September 1693.
Literary References: Vertue I, 89; Gunnis 1968, 50; Pyke 1973, 13; Whinney 1988, 443 n.41; Baker 2000, 86
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