Richard Cockle Lucas (1800–1883) was a renowned English sculptor and eccentric personality, known for his unique contributions to the art world. Born on December 24, 1800, in Salisbury, Wiltshire, Lucas displayed artistic talent from a young age. He apprenticed under the sculptor Joseph Panzetta and later studied at the Royal Academy Schools in London.
Lucas gained recognition for his skill in portrait sculpture, particularly for his lifelike busts of prominent figures of his time. His subjects included Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and other members of the British aristocracy. His attention to detail and ability to capture the essence of his subjects earned him widespread acclaim.
However, it was Lucas's eccentricities that truly set him apart. He was known for his unconventional methods, often dressing in eccentric attire and sporting a long beard. Lucas also had a fascination with ancient Egypt and claimed to be the illegitimate son of King George IV.
One of Lucas's most famous works is the restoration of the effigy of William Shakespeare at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon. Lucas claimed to have discovered the original face of Shakespeare beneath layers of paint and proceeded to restore it to its former glory. While his restoration efforts were controversial at the time, they have since been regarded as a significant contribution to Shakespearean scholarship.
In addition to his sculptural work, Lucas was also a prolific inventor. He patented several inventions, including a type of artificial stone known as "ligno-stone" and a method for preserving perishable foods using airtight containers.
Despite his talents and accomplishments, Lucas's life was not without controversy. He was involved in several legal disputes over his inventions and faced financial difficulties throughout his career. Despite these challenges, Lucas remained dedicated to his art and continued to produce work until his death on May 17, 1883, in London.
Today, Richard Cockle Lucas is remembered not only for his artistic achievements but also for his eccentric personality and colorful life story. His contributions to the world of sculpture and his unique approach to art continue to inspire artists and scholars alike.
References:
- Hallett, Mark. "Richard Cockle Lucas: Sculptor and Inventor, 1800–1883." The Stratford-upon-Avon Society, 2006.
- Morris, Frances. "Richard Cockle Lucas: Shakespearean Sculptor and Eccentric." The Book Guild Ltd, 2012.
- Reed, A.W. "Lucas, Richard Cockle." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004.
Bibliography
O'Donoghue, F.M., ‘Lucas, Richard Cockle (1800-1883)', rev. Jason Edwards, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004) [accessed 17 December 2007]