Paul Raphael Montford was an English-born sculptor, also active in Australia. He was born on November 1, 1868, and died on January 15, 1938. Montford is known for his monumental public works, including statues of notable figures such as Queen Victoria and King Edward VII.
Early Life and Education
Montford was born in Kentish Town, London, to a family of sculptors. His father, Horace Montford, was a sculptor who won a gold medal at the Royal Academy Schools in 1869. Paul learned modeling from his father and later studied at the Royal Academy Schools, where he was considered a brilliant student. He won the gold medal and traveling scholarship for sculpture in 1891.
Career
Montford's career as a sculptor spanned several decades and continents. He exhibited frequently at the Royal Academy exhibitions and completed numerous commissions in Great Britain, including four groups on the Kelvin Way Bridge, Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow, and a statue of Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman at Stirling. In 1923, he moved to Australia, where he taught at the Gordon Technical College in Geelong, Victoria, and exhibited at the Geelong Art Gallery.
Some of his notable works include:
Awards and Legacy
Montford was awarded the gold medal of the Royal Society of British Sculptors in 1934 for his statue of Adam Lindsay Gordon at Melbourne. He was also a member of the
Sculptors' Society of Australia from 1932 to 1939 and served as president of the
Victorian Artists Society from 1930 to 1932.
Paul Raphael Montford's work can be found in various museums and galleries, including the
National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne and the
Art Gallery of South Australia in Adelaide. His legacy as a sculptor continues to inspire artists and art lovers alike.
For more information on Paul Raphael Montford's life and work, visit
Paul Raphael Montford | WahooArt.com or
Paul Raphael Montford - Wikipedia.