Alfred George Stevens (1817–1875) was born in Blandford Forum, Dorset, the son of a decorator and joiner, which shaped his early interest in art and craftsmanship. In 1833, the rector of his parish enabled him to go to Italy, where he spent nine years studying Renaissance art and copying frescoes, including studying for a time at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence. In 1841, the Danish-Icelandic sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen employed him for a year in Rome. These years resulted in an enduring interest in the Italian High Renaissance, specifically Michelangelo, that is evidenced in much of his work.
Returning to England, in 1845, Stevens obtained a tutorial position in the Government School of Design at Somerset House, London, where he remained until 1847. In 1850 he became chief artist to the Sheffield firm of H.E. Hoole and Co. who specialised in bronze and metal work. In 1852 he returned to London, where he designed the vases on the railings in front of the British Museum, and also the lions on the dwarf posts which were subsequently transferred to the inside of the museum.
Alfred Stevens' most famous commission was the Wellington Monument in St Paul's Cathedral, begun in 1856. Although unfinished at the time of his death, it is considered his masterpiece and a landmark of Victorian sculpture. From 1860 he also worked on the decoration of Dorchester House, Park Lane for Sir George Holford.
Despite his talent, Stevens struggled financially throughout his life. He was plagued by perfectionism and his obituary concluded that he 'left neither wife, nor children, nor riches, but the name of one of the greatest decorative artists insanely devoted to his art.' His legacy, however, was profound, as a 'godfather' of the New Sculpture movement and in his rejection of distinctions between fine art and design. His work can be found in numerous public collections, including the V&A, Tate, Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, Fitzwilliam Museum, Ashmolean Museum, Manchester Art Gallery, Walker Gallery, Birmingham Art Gallery, and National Galleries of Scotland, amongst others.
