John Bacon was a British sculptor who worked in the late 18th century. Bacon has been reckoned the founder of the British School of sculpture. He won numerous awards, held the esteem of George III, an
portrait by John Russell
Bacon's sculpture of Father Thames in Coade stone, in the grounds of Ham House
Sculpture of Old Father Thames in the forecourt of Ham House geograph.org.uk 3358670
Father Thames or Old Father Thames is a personification of the River Thames in English folklore. There existed multiple deities associated with the Thames previously, and while his origins are obscure
Coade stone sculpture Old Father Thames by John Bacon in Terrace Gardens, Richmond. One of two remaining, with the other at Ham House
"Faraday giving his card to Father Thames", caricature in Punch, 1855