{"title":"John Cheere (1709–1787): Master of Garden Sculpture","description":"\u003cp\u003eJohn Cheere’s transformation from haberdasher’s apprentice to one of 18th-century England ’s leading sculptors exemplifies his remarkable career shift. His acquisition of John Nost’s sculpture yard in 1739, in partnership with his brother, launched his celebrated work in lead garden statuary, a hallmark of aristocratic land scapes of the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInnovative Garden Sculpture\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheere’s lead statues combined classical themes with pastoral motifs, catering to the tastes of Britain’s elite. His versatility is evident in his reproductions of ancient sculptures and original idyllic designs. The commission of 98 statues for the royal palace of Queluz in Portugal underscores his international acclaim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRestoration and Legacy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe restoration of Cheere’s works, including the Queluz statues, by Rupert Harris Conservation in 2009, highlights the enduring value of his sculptures. Supported by the World Monuments Fund Britain, this effort reaffirmed his importance in the history of garden art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNotable Works\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Medici lions at Stowe House and figures for Stourhead gardens exemplify his integration of sculpture into landscape design.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePublic commissions, such as the gilded equestrian statue of William III and the lead statue of George II, reflect his role in civic commemoration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHis statue of Shakespeare for Stratford-upon-Avon Town Hall, commissioned by David Garrick, highlights his contributions to cultural land marks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnduring Influence\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheere’s sculptures, from garden figures to plaster busts, bridged classical inspirations with 18th-century aesthetics. His artistry continues to resonate, enriching the history of English sculpture and decorative arts.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"george-iii-lead-bust-of-seneca-john-cheere","title":"John Cheere","description":"\u003cp\u003eA rare George III lead life sized portrait bust after the Antique of Seneca raised on a octagonal marble pedestal base. John Cheere is known to have supplied a plaster version of this bust to Temple Newsam in Leeds and there was another example at Red Hall, Manchester. This antique sculpture is the first lead example to come to light and therefore adds to our knowledge of the range produced.\u003cbr\u003eAttributed to John Cheere.\u003cbr\u003eEngland, circa 1760\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 90 cms (35.5 ins)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Cheere (1709 – 1787) had his workshops at Hyde Park Corner. His yard was a popular meeting place and was visited by the public. In his time Cheere was one of England’s most celebrated sculptors and suppliers, but history has not been kind and today his brother Sir Henry Cheere enjoys the limelight. Henry was noted for his church monuments, his university statues and his fireplaces. He mainly worked in stone whilst John focused on plaster and lead, two materials that have subsequently fallen from fashion. Much of John Cheere’s work was supplying busts and vases for libraries. One of his largest commissions was 24 busts and 25 vases for the Codrington library at All Souls, Oxford. This established his reputation and he went on to supply many private clients’ libraries, the popular subjects being figures from antiquity and British literature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeneca (5BC-65AD) is one of the most revered figures from the classical age. Busts of him adorn many a grand private library or great house. HIs life of literature and moral philosophy together with his forced but nobly enacted suicide render him a model for many.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Sold Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51145326690641,"sku":"4200","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/Screenshot-2024-08-25-at-15.02.49_acc5914b-2721-499a-81bc-6605e6b6a751.webp?v=1747846275"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/collections\/Screenshot-2024-08-25-at-15.02.49_acc5914b-2721-499a-81bc-6605e6b6a751.webp?v=1757528147","url":"https:\/\/nwtiques.com\/collections\/john-cheere-1709-1787.oembed","provider":"Nicholas Wells Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}