The ‘Shepherdess’ was created in lead by John Cheere in 1760-70 and was of a type of sculpture that was produced in large numbers to decorate gardens of country houses in the 18th century. It is located in the Temperate House, Kew Gardens.
John Cheere was born in London and was the younger brother of Sir Henry Cheere, who was also a renowned sculptor.
His other works included the ‘Sphinx’ stone sculpture which is one of three which is at the rear of Chiswick Villa. In 1739 he completed a gilt equestrian statue of William III for St James's Square, London. He was commissioned by the actor David Garrick to produce a life-size lead figure of William Shakespeare for the jubilee celebrations in Stratford-on-Avon in 1769.
