Lawrence MacDonald (Scottish, 1799-1878)

A 19th century carved white marble bust of Mrs John Hungerford Arkwright
Facing left and wearing a square lace collar on turned socle base, signed to the reverse L.MACDONALD. FECIT. ROMAE 1868, together with a grey and red veined veneered column, 42cm wide, 22cm deep, 70cm high (16.5in wide, 8.5in deep, 27.5in high) the column: 90cm (35in) high
Footnotes:
Charlotte Lucy Davenport (1839-1904) was the youngest of six children of John D Davenport of Foxley, Herefds. She married John H Arkwright in 1866 and bore one son (Jack) and three daughters (Geraldine, Evelyn and Olive). Beyond the domestic sphere, she undertook responsibilities for the schools on the Hampton Court estate, and worked for the inmates of the Hampton Homes (almshouses established by the family on the estate) and of the Coningsby Hospital (for retired servicemen) in Hereford. She also provided nurses for the poor, established clothing clubs, and was Secretary to the Herefordshire General Hospital penny scheme. She led choir practices for the local church. 'On account of her own graces, amiability, goodness and many accomplishments,' noted the Hereford Times, 'Mrs Arkwright was dearly beloved by all classes in the county.'

With thanks to Catherine Beale for her historical guidance and research on this lot.

Lawrence MacDonald was born in Perthshire in 1799 and was apprenticed to a local mason called Thomas Gibson before moving to Edinburgh and then to Rome, becoming one of the founding members of the British Academy of Arts there. He remained in Rome from 1831 to 1878 where he worked continuously on portrait busts for the wealthy; many in the Classical style. His son, Alexander, followed in his father's footsteps and worked alongside him in his workshop. The following Lot 6 of John Hungerford was carved in the same year by his son.

He exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy, London, and at the Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh. He also exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and included Prince Albert amongst his patrons.

Works by MacDonald can be found in the Royal Collection and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: TP
TP Lot will be moved to an offsite storage location (Cadogan Tate, Auction House Services, 241 Acton Lane, London NW10 7NP, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please note transfer and storage charges will apply to any lots not collected after 14 calendar days from the auction date.