(1811 - 1895)
John Bell, sculptor, was born in Suffolk and moved to London at about 16. After studying at Henry Sass’s School, he entered the Royal Academy Schools. He later exhibited at the Academy, British Institution and Society of British Artists. His subjects included portraits, religious, literary and mythological themes. His most popular sculpture, ‘The Eagle Slayer’ (1841), was produced several times in bronze, marble and iron. He was involved in instigating the Great Exhibition and the South Kensington Museum (V&A). Some works were reproduced by pottery manufacturers, including ‘Dorothea’; a best seller for Minton. He also designed decorative art objects, including fish-knives, bread-platters and a table. He died in Kensington, aged 83.
