The Italian-British sculptor Giovanni Giuseppe Fontana (1821-1893) was born in Carrara. It was also Carrara where he received his training as a sculptor at the Academy. He continued his studies in Rome, where he remained until 1849. Because of his support for the republicans he was forced to flee Italy. Through Paris he came to stay in London where he became very renowned as a sculptor. Between 1852 and 1886 he regularly exhibited works at the Royal Academy. Fontana was also much appreciated in Australia where he exhibited several times. He was awarded the First Degree of Special Merit at the 1879 Sydney International Exhibition. In 1881 he received an Hon. Mention for his works exhibited at the Centennial Exhibition in Melbourne. Many of his works can be found in Australia. He has created, among others, sculptures for Sydney Town Hall. His works are also in the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool.
