Lot 1188: William Theed the younger (British 1804-1891): a

William Theed the younger (British 1804-1891): a white marble bust of a gentleman, signed and dated 'Roma 1830', 19in. high. NB Born in Trentham, Staffordshire and initially trained by his father, William Theed the younger, worked for several years in a studio of E.H. Bailey the Sculptor, and on the 15th January, 1820 was admitted to the Royal Academy Schools. In 1826 he went to Rome. In Rome, Theed is believed to have studied under Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen and Italian Pietra Tenerani, as well as John Gibson and Richard James Wyatt. After nearly 20 years in Rome he received a commission from Prince Albert, the then Prince Consort, to send designs for statues to be placed in Osborne House. Two designs by Theed were accepted 'Narcissus at the fountain' and 'Psyche lamenting the loss of Cupid', both in marble. Theed returned to London in 1848 and soon established a highly successful professional practice. In 1851 he displayed three pieces at The Great Exhibition, the most notable a marble of 'The Prodigal's Return' which was a life-size piece. From London he made further pieces for the Prince Consort, including a series of mythological reliefs for the reception rooms of Buckingham Palace. His works can also be seen in the Prince's Chamber in the Palace of Westminster, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and Balmoral Castle.