Sculptural group, with the Prodigal Son, at right, approaching his father, standing at left, in mutual embrace; walking stick and water vessel lying on the ground. Artist Biography:William Theed RA (1764–1817), called William Theed the elder, was an English sculptor and painter, the father of William Theed the younger, who was also a sculptor. He was born on 3 August 1764 the son of William Theed, a wig-maker in Wych Street in London and his wife Sarah Palmer. He was trained at the Royal Academy Schools in 1786 and began a career in oil painting: both portraits and classical subjects. After a tour with other artists of Italy beginning in 1791 (where he spent 4 or 5 years in Rome and reportedly got married) he returned to England around 1796. He worked as a modeller for Wedgwood from 1799 to 1804, and then for the gold and silversmiths Rundell and Bridge back in London from 1804 to 1817. He was elected an associate of the Royal Academy in 1811 and as Royal Academician in 1813. He trained his son in the early stages of the latter’s career.