Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Thomas, John Evan
THOMAS, JOHN EVAN (1809–1873), sculptor, born in Brecon in 1809, was the eldest son of John Thomas of Castle Street, Brecon. He came to London and studied under Sir Francis Legatt Chantrey [q. v.] From 1835 to 1857 he exhibited frequently at the Royal Academy. His works were chiefly busts, and for many years he laboured at nothing else. Later in life, however, he executed several statues in marble and bronze and several portrait statuettes. Among his statues was a colossal bronze figure of the Marquis of Bute at Cardiff. He also sculptured a statue of the Duke of Wellington at Brecon, of Prince Albert on the Castle Hill, Tenby, of James Henry Vivian at Swansea, of the Prince of Wales at the Welsh schools at Ashford, of Sir Charles Morgan at Newport, and of Sir Joseph Bailey at Glanusk Park. About 1857 Thomas retired to Penisha'r Pentre in Brecknockshire, where he filled the office of sheriff. He died at his London residence, 58 Buckingham Palace Road, on 9 Oct. 1873, and was buried in Brompton cemetery. He was elected a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries on 3 Feb. 1842.
[Brecon County Times, 18 Oct. 1873; Redgrave's Dict. of Artists.]