Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Ledward, Richard Arthur
LEDWARD, RICHARD ARTHUR (1857–1890), sculptor, born at Burslem, Staffordshire, in 1857, was son of Richard Perry Ledward, of the firm of Pinder, Bourne, & Co. of Burslem. Ledward was employed as modeller by that firm, and studied in the Burslem school of art; on obtaining a national scholarship he continued his studies at South Kensington. There he obtained a gold medal for modelling from the life, and was appointed a master of modelling in the schools. Subsequently he became modelling master at the Westminster and Blackheath schools of art. He exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1882 and the following years. One work of his, 'A Young Mother,' showed great promise and attracted favourable notice. He executed several busts of merit, including those of Mr. Broadhurst, M.P., Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P., Sir Philip Cunliffe Owen, and others. Ledward resided in Chelsea, and died of rheumatism on 28 Oct. 1890. He was buried at Periyale Church, near Ealing. In 1883 he married Miss Wood, sister of Ambrose Wood of Hanley, and by her had four children.
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