Dorothy Stanton Wise

Dorothy Stanton Wise (20 October 1879 – 25 December 1918) was a British sculptor. Wise studied at the Royal College of Art under Édouard Lantéri and created sculptures and medallions that were sold to members of the British royal family. Deaf from an early age, she overcame significant challenges to earn an education unusual for a woman at the time and build a career based on her artistic talent.

Early life and education

Dorothea Mary Stanton Wise was born on 20 October 1879 in Dover. She was one of four children and her parents ran a boys' boarding school.

As a child Wise was primarily taught by her mother, but attended a hearing kindergarten to learn drawing and manners, where her artistic ability was made clear. Dorothy was sent to the College of the Deaf in Fitzroy Square every spring to improve her lipreading skills. She was commissioned to create works for the 1911 Pageant of Empire at The Crystal Palace. Wise won gold medals at Manchester Art Gallery, the Royal Academy, and Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool.