Earley & Powells

Thomas Earley’s obituary in The Irish Builder of July 1 1893 casts light on the early life of the sculptor. “WITH feelings of regret we record in these pages the death of the above-named gentleman. Mr. Earley had been in failing health for some time, and had sought change of air and scene at the residence of his old and intimate friend, the Rev. James Baxter, P.P., Clondalkin, where, on the morning of the 28th ult., his death took place. Mr. Earley was the surviving partner in the late firm of Earley and Powells, ecclesiastical sculptors, church decorators, and stained glass manufacturers, Upper Camden-street, where he resided and carried on business for many years. He was born of Irish parents in Birmingham, and had a most interesting career. In his early life he became probably the first pupil of Pugin, and with him, as the worker, helped to revive medieval Gothic Art in England. Under Pugin’s guidance, he worked in Belgium, in France, and in the English restoration at Windsor, at Canterbury, and in other cathedral towns in England where the restoration of Gothic Art, under Pugin’s genius, was being established. Having been called to the country of his ancestors, he pursued his calling here, and every city and almost every town in Ireland is marked by the beauty of his work. As an artist, he attained a high degree of excellence, and as a man and a friend his character was above reproach. For a number of years he was a member of the Committee of the Dublin Musical Society, and was prominently identified with its re construction. His demise will be received with profound regret in the city of Dublin.”