Anonymous
Published: 2013-09
Total Pages: 72
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1895 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVII WEDGWOOD AND FLAXMAN Wedgwood was fortunate as well as wise in associating with himself in the production of his wares perhaps the greatest sculptor whom England has as yet produced. Born on the 6th July, 1755, John Flaxman entered life with no special advantages. His father sold plaster-of-Paris casts in New Street, Covent Garden, and afterward at a little shop in the Strand. The boy was very weakly, and slightly deformed from his birth. As he grew in years he used to sit in a little stuffed chair behind his father's counter, over which he could just see; and there he read and made drawings in black and white from the casts before him. When customers came, he got down from his seat, and, with the help of crutches, went to the shelves, and selected the required articles. Flaxman's mother died when he was seven years old. His father married again, but his step-mother was very kind to him--as much so, indeed, as his own mother had been. The customers who came to the shop took an interest in the invalid boy. One of the most benevolent was the Rev. Mr. Matthew, a man of fine taste, who took an interest in art and artists. "I went," said Mr. Matthew, "to the shop of old Flaxman to have a figure repaired, and, while I was standing, I heard a child cough behind the counter. I looked over, and there I saw a little boy seated on a small chair, with a larger chair before him, on which lay a book he was reading. His pure eyes and beautiful forehead interested me, and I said: 'What book is that?' He raised himself on his crutches, bowed, and said: 'Sir, it is a Latin book, and lam trying to read it.' 'Ay, indeed?' I answered. 'You are a fine boy, but this is not the proper book; I will bring you a right one to-morrow.' I did as I...