Harry Bates (architect)

Harry Bates (1854-1899) was a British sculptor, best known for his allegorical and figurative sculptures, and for his contributions to the New Sculpture movement. Born in Hinckley, Leicestershire, Bates initially trained as a wood carver before moving to London and studying at the Lambeth School of Art and later the Royal Academy Schools. He worked as an assistant to George Gilbert Scott Jr. and Jules Dalou, both of whom profoundly influenced his style.

Bates's work is characterized by its refined craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a strong sense of narrative. He frequently employed bronze, marble, and ivory in his sculptures, creating richly textured and visually striking pieces. His major works include "Hounds Coursing," "Pandora," "Homer," and the bronze panels for the memorial to Lord Roberts in Calcutta (now Kolkata). Bates's sculpture "Mors Janua Vitae" (Death is the Gate of Life), a bronze relief showing a deceased woman being carried by angels, is considered one of the key works of the New Sculpture. He was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1892 and a full Academician shortly before his death. Although his career was relatively short, his impact on British sculpture was significant.