Hamo Thornycroft

Highbridge House's previous tenant was a famous sculptor by the name of Hamo Thornycroft. He had been the artist who had created the controversial Oliver Cromwell statue that stands outside of Parliament. Many Conservatives and Irish MPs had fought bitterly against the project. It was only with the backing of the Prime Minister Lord Rosebery who personally underwrote much of the cost of the project that the commission was completed and the statue erected. All this took place whilst Hamo Thornycroft was resident at Highbridge House in Frimley. Other high profile sculptures of his include Charles Gordon and Alfred the Great.

Image courtesy of National Portrait Gallery