Thomas Rawlins 1727 - 1789

Rawlins, work has been variously described as being "only second in quality to those of Robert Page" by Noel Spencer, "perhaps the most accomplished of the Norwich school" by Finch and "a sculptor who ranks high " by Pvesner. He was both an architect and a sculptor exhibiting architectural designs at the Society of Artists and Royal Academy in the Late 1770s.

The son of a worsted weaver, Rawlins claims to have been trained by " the most eminent carvers in London" prior to establishing his business on a site next to the Duke's Palace Yard. Some of his monuments bear similarities to Sir Henry Cheere - leading some to the assumption that Rawlins may have worked with this craftsman.
strip of 3 example monuments by Rawlings
Like Page he was an expert in coloured marbles. Since most of his monuments were produced after 1750 his style is described by Pvesner as ranging from "mournful Rococo to Neoclassical". The change been illustrated by two monuments in St Andrew : the first to John Custance (1673 - 1752) the second to Richard Dennison (d1767). Later monuments to Robert Rushbrook (1705 - 81 ) in St John Maddermarket and William Wilcocks (1714 - 1770) in St Swithin show an even greater awareness of neo classical motifs, whilst the memorial to Thomas Churchman (1702 - 1781) is a particularly good piece of work being fully neoclassical, complete with a portrait in an oval medallion.

Botton of monument showing Rawling signature