John Massey Rhind RSA 1858-1936

John Massey Rhind, whose death took place on 20th October, was the third Sculptor member of his family. He was a native of Edinburgh born 1858.

His early training in his fathers' studio was followed by six years at the Royal Academy Schools where he was awarded the Silver Medal for Sculpture. He then worked for two years with Sir Alfred Gilbert and Sir Thomas Brock.

At the age of 38 Mr. Rhind went to the United States of America. Soon after arrival he was the successful candidate in an open competition for the large bronze door of Old Trinity Church, New York, and an extensive series of public commissions followed this initial success. He executed the bronze equestrian memorial to George Washington in Newark, New Jersey, and four heroic statues of modern Presidents.

Among his portraits are those of Andrew Carnegie and Generals Grant and Sherman. In Pittsburg he decorated the Carnegie Institute with symbolic figures, and there also he has a statue of Robert Burns. In Canada he is represented by 4 war memorials and by a large bronze of Cornwallis.

This last was exhibited in the Royal Scottish Academy of 1931, having been modelled in Edinburgh shortly after his return to Scotland. He was awarded the Sculpture Gold Medals at the Buffalo, Saint Louis, and New York exhibitions. 

Mr. Rhind returned to Scotland about 1929, and was elected an associate of the Academy in 1931 and an Academician in 1934. His diploma work is a bronze of a Red Indian "The Scout." 

Socially very popular, he was for some time President of the Salmagundi Club, New York, and also the Scottish Arts Club, Edinburgh.

RSA Obituary by George Pirie RSA and James Foggie RS. Transcribed from the 1936 RSA Annual Report