He settled in London, starting out by carving monuments under architect James Gibbs. His skill and a lack of native competition meant that Rysbrack was quickly able to establish himself, becoming a sought after artist amongst the great patrons of the day, including Thomas, 2nd Baron Onslow who built Clandon Park in the 1720s.
Rysbrack was prolific and carved the imposing monument to Sir Isaac Newton in Westminster Abbey, as well as a bust of Britain’s first Prime Minister and political ally of the Onslow family, Sir Robert Walpole. Some forty years later, George, 1st Earl of Onslow followed in his cousin Thomas’ footsteps and commissioned Rysbrack to design a monument to his own father, Arthur, the Great Speaker Onslow, which can be seen in Holy Trinity, Guildford.
The Clandon overmantels
Rysbrack carved the overmantel reliefs in the Marble Hall in the late 1720s and was probably also responsible for the associated chimneypieces and framework around the two fireplaces. The use of dark grey marble as a background is a subtle touch adding depth and drawing attention to the reliefs.