Thomas Lawrence death mask, WML

sketchfab

This plaster copy of the death mask of Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830) in The Wildgoose Memorial Library is marked on the base (clearly visible in the 3D image) A L Vago: the name of an artist, modeller and phrenologist active in London from c. 1841 until his death in 1860. Lawrence’s death mask was selected for inclusion in the WML@KCL to accompany discussion about the role the Strand has played as a thoroughfare for grand funeral processions on their way to St Paul’s cathedral. Lawrence was elected President of the Royal Academy in 1820 at a time when the Academy was located in Somerset House, and remained in post until his death aged 60 in 1830. After being laid out in the model room at the Academy, Lawrence’s coffin was carried in an elaborate funeral procession to St Paul’s Cathedral where his body was interred in the crypt along with those of his predecessors at the RA, Joshua Reynolds and Benjamin West. http://www.janewildgoose.co.uk/