The Mower

This bronze sculpture is probably the first important life-size statue of a manual labourer ever produced in Britain. It reflects the increasing desire of 'New Sculpture' artists, such as Hamo Thornycroft, to reflect scenes of everyday life. Despite this apparent commitment to representing reality, the figure has been placed in a carefully arranged composition, inspired by the works of the Renaissance sculptor Donatello (1386/7-1466). The sculpture was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1884 to great critical acclaim.

Hamo Thornycroft was inspired to produce the sculpture in the summer of 1882, whilst sailing up the Thames on the 'S S Waterlily'. The sculptor recalled seeing: ‘a mower who, as the tiny swell of our boat passing heaved the river grass, stood with suspended scythe to see us pass’. He produced a quick sketch, which was later re-thought and developed into a large-scale, semi-nude figure. His companions on the boat that day included the homosexual poet and critic Edmund Gosse, with whom Thornycroft had an intense and close relationship.