Nathaniel Hitch

Nathaniel Hitch (1845–1938) was a British sculptor. As a young man, he became an apprentice sculptor journeyman and after studying at the Borough Polytechnic and experience working alongside architectural sculptors, he developed a career carving altarpieces, church furniture and other decorative features for churches.

Early years Nathaniel Hitch was born in Ware, Hertfordshire in 1845, his father being George Hitch, a joiner, carpenter and builder by trade.

Showing an early talent for working with his hands, Hitch created a small model for the vestry of Ware Parish Church when he was 12 years age.

Apprenticeship

In around 1860, Hitch was apprenticed to the architectural sculptors, Farmer and Brindley in London who worked in wood, stone and metal creating art metalwork and architectural furnishings. Until Hitch developed his own commissions it is difficult to speculate as to what he worked on, but the major commissions competed by his employers may provide some insight. Farmer and Brindley's clients at the time of Hitch's apprenticeship included Alfred Waterhouse and Sir Gilbert Scott and their projects included work on the Natural History Museum, Albert Memorial, and Westminster Cathedral. Hitch would have "carved out rough-hewn forms ready for the master carver to add the fine details and finishing touches to the sculpture."

Personal life

Hitch was married and the father of at least nine children, among them Frederick Brook Hitch who worked with his father in his studio. Upon Nathaniel Hitch's death, Frederick focused his career on mainstream sculpture, rather than architectural work.

During his life, Hitch lived in the following places:

1871 – he was a boarder at a house on Doulting Street in Doulting, Somerset 1880 – at 21 Harleyford Road, Lambeth, London 1891 until 1926 – he had a studio at another address on Harleyford Road, Lambeth, London

Hitch died on 28 January 1938 at the age of 92.

Gallery