Mackennal, Sir Bertram (1863-1931), was the most distinguished Australian sculptor of his time. He won many prestigious public commissions with his conservative classical style. These commissions include two carved reliefs on the front of Parliament House in Melbourne, Victoria; the statue of King George V in Canberra; and the Cenotaph in Sydney’s Martin Place. Mackennal also executed several portrait busts of such celebrities as actress Sarah Bernhardt and singer Dame Nellie Melba. His largest commission was Apollo Driving the Horses of the Sun for the pediment of Australia House in London.
Edgar Bertram Mackennal was born on June 12, 1863, in Melbourne, Victoria. His father, who was also a sculptor, was his first teacher. In 1922, London’s Royal Academy awarded Mackennal full membership, the first Australian sculptor to receive the honor. He died on Oct. 10, 1931.
