Alfred Frank Hardiman

Alfred Frank Hardiman, an English sculptor born in 1891, pursued his education at the Royal College of Art after winning a scholarship in 1912. During World War I, he served as an engineer's draughtsman in the Royal Flying Corps. Post-war, he continued his studies and was awarded the British Prix de Rome scholarship in 1920, leading him to the British School at Rome where he developed a unique style blending naturalism and classicism, influenced by Roman, Etruscan, and early Greek art.

Hardiman's most renowned work is the controversial Earl Haig Memorial in Whitehall, London. He also created the heraldic lions at Norwich City Hall, which are widely admired. Collaborating with architects like Stephen Rowland Pierce and sculptors such as James Woodford and Eric Aumonier, he contributed significantly to notable projects.

Elected an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1936 and a full Academician in 1944, Hardiman was also a fellow of the Royal Society of British Sculptors since 1938. He received their silver medal for the Haig Memorial and won a gold medal in 1946 for a Bristol fountain that remained unbuilt.

Married to Violet White from 1918, he had two daughters. Hardiman passed away in 1949 at age 57. His legacy includes numerous public sculptures across locations like London, Norwich, Edinburgh, and Oxford, each reflecting his distinctive artistic style.