Regarded as ‘The Border Sculptor’, Thomas Clapperton studied at the Mechanics Institute in Galashiels before completing his training at the Glasgow School of Art and at Kensington School of Art, as well as the Royal Academy School in London.
He became an apprentice to Sir William Goscombe John, one of the most eminent sculptors of the period. After further study in Paris and Rome, Clapperton eventually settled in London and setup a sculptor’s studio in Chelsea.
His most renowned work is the sculpture of Robert the Bruce at Edinburgh Castle, and other well-regarded works include the frieze ant Liberty & Co. in London; ‘The Border Reiver’ at the Galashiels War Memorial, the bust of Sir Walter Scott in Bank Street, Galashiels, and the Flodden Memorial and bronzes surrounding the Mungo Park Memorial in Selkirk.
Clapperton is also known for the much-loved Wonderland statue in Oamaru’s Botanical Gardens (New Zealand), the reduction of which was sold in these rooms (Decorative Arts, 1st April, 2020, lot 231).