Details of Sculptor

Surname

Rowe

Alternative Surname

First Name

Simon, of Exeter

Initial of Surname

R

Year of Birth/Baptism

Flourished

c1799-1850

Year of Death

Biographical Details

Contemporary press reports indicate that Rowe, whose workshop was in St Sidwell’s, Exeter, was a skilled carver of architectural ornament and church fittings. He was responsible for ‘the whole of the stonework’ in the Exwick chapel, Devon, which he carried out ‘in a manner highly creditable to him’ (GM, 1842, ii, 523) (12). He carved a ‘very superb and magnificent font of Caen stone’ decorated with ‘very close and elaborate carving’ and a ‘Latin inscription, engraved with singular neatness and precision’ for Exeter Cathedral (Builder, 1843, 372) and his pulpit, reading desk and font at Holy Trinity, Barnstaple, are described as ‘exquisite specimens of carving’ (GM, 1845, ii, 186) (14, 15). He worked with John Hayward, the leading local gothic revival architect, on several occasions (4, 14, 17).
Literary References: Gunnis 1968, 333