John Rhind ARSA 1828-1892

The Council regret having to record the death of John Rhind, Sculptor, one of the newly elected Associates. His death, occurring as it did in less than a week after his election and before he had complied with the form prescribed by the Charter, rendered his election invalid, and increased the general feeling of regret that he was not spared to enjoy the well-earned honour conferred on him by the Academy.

He was a native of Banff, where he was born in 1828. Removing to Edinburgh he entered the studio of Alexander Handyside Ritchie, A.R.S.A., where he remained for several years.

In 1858 John Rhind became his own master, and his name was soon favourably known in connection with monumental and decorative sculpture. Among his best works are the frieze representing Commerce in front of the Corn Exchange, Leith; the decorative panels in the County hall, Paisley; the monument to the Countess of Wemyss in Aberlady church; the Montrose monument in St. Giles' Cathedral, and the statue of Dr. William Chambers in front of the Museum of Science and Art.

RSA Obituary by George Reid RSA, transcribed from the 1892 RSA Annual Report