John Lawlor (sculptor)

Lawlor received his art training at the Royal Dublin Society's Schools, studying sculpture under John Smyth (c1773-1840).

In 1843 the Royal Irish Art Union purchased his "Cupid pressing Grapes into the Glass of Time," and was won as a prize by the Countess of Ranfurly.

He exhibited a "Boy and Dog" at the Royal Hibernian Academy in 1844, and was one of eight artists commissioned to produce the plaques on the corners of the Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens, also executing the large group "Engineering."

He was a popular figure in London's artistic and literary circles, his tall, striking appearance, ready wit, genial manner and fine baritone making him a sought-after guest.

In London, John Lawlor had become a loyal supporter of the secret Irish Republican Brotherhood or Fenians, and was careful to keep his political affiliations out of his public life as an artist.