Thomas Woolner, born on December seventeenth, eighteen twenty-five, was a distinguished English sculptor and poet, renowned for his pivotal role as a founding member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Uniquely, he was the only sculptor among the original members, contributing significantly to the artistic movement that sought to challenge the conventions of the time.
After helping establish the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Woolner ventured to Australia, where he spent a period of his life before returning to Britain. Upon his return, he enjoyed a successful career as a sculptor, creating numerous important public works, memorials, tomb sculptures, and narrative reliefs that showcased his artistic talent and vision.
Woolner was not only a skilled sculptor but also an accomplished poet and art dealer. He engaged in correspondence with many notable figures of his era, further solidifying his place in the artistic community. One of his most recognized works is the portrait medallion of the esteemed poet William Wordsworth, located in St Oswald's Church, Grasmere, where Wordsworth himself is interred in the adjacent graveyard.