John Francis (1780-1861) was a British sculptor who was known for his busts and statues of prominent figures of the day, including royalty, politicians, and celebrities. He was born in Lincoln, England, and began his career as a farmer. However, he had a natural talent for sculpture, and he eventually moved to London to pursue his artistic ambitions.
Francis studied under Samuel Joseph and Francis Leggatt Chantrey, two of the most prominent sculptors of the time. He began exhibiting his work at the Royal Academy in 1820, and he quickly gained a reputation for his skill and craftsmanship. Over the course of his career, Francis created busts and statues of many notable figures, including King William IV, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, The Duke of Wellington, Lord Byron, Sir Robert Peel, Charles Dickens and Horatio Nelson
Francis's work is characterized by its realism and its attention
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to detail. He was also known for his ability to capture the likeness of his subjects. His busts and statues are now on display in museums and galleries all over the world. In addition to his work as a sculptor, Francis was also a teacher. He trained a number of notable sculptors, including Joseph Durham and Matthew Noble. He was also a member of the Royal Academy, and he served as its president from 1851 to 1857.
Francis died in London in 1861 at the age of 80. He is buried in Highgate Cemetery