Sir John Goss, Knt.. c. 1880. Marble. The Crypt, St. Paul's Cathedral, London. According to the inscription, Goss (1809-1880) was “Composer to H. M. Chapels Royal for 34 years” as well as “Organist and Vicar Choral of this Cathedral.” [Click on these images to enlarge them.]
Selected from eleven designs presented to a committee, this one was designed by the architect John Belcher, and carved by Hamo Thornycroft: "a classic design of alabaster, varied with white and black marbles, Mr. Hamo Thornycroft, Associate of the Royal Academy of Arts, undertaking to carve a marble panel, representing choristers singing." The cast was exhibited at the Royal Academy, "has met with much approval, and is deemed an artistic success" (Spark 124). Sir John Goss was much-admired and much-loved: "His disposition was tender and sweet; an unkindness or a rough word did not rouse, it wounded him. He treated all others with consideration and goodness, and seemed hurt when he had occasion to realize the fact that others did not always treat him in the same way. He loved quietness, and valued the affection of others" (Spark 125).
Photographs and formatting by George P. Landow. Text by Landow and Jacqueline Banerjee. With thanks to the Dean and Chapter of St Paul’s Cathedral. You may use these images without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the photographer and (2) link your document to this URL in a web document or cite the Victorian Web in a print one.]
Bibliography
Spark, William. Musical Memories. 3rd ed. London: W. Reeves, 1909. Internet Archive. Uploaded” by University of California Libraries. Web. 3 August 2014.
Last modified 3 August 2014