Page:Nollekens and His Times, Volume 2.djvu/453

 441 FLAXMAN.

was born in York, July 6th, 1755, and when a boy, was not, like other children, fond of toys; but took the greatest delight in every thing pertaining to sculpture. I have heard my father relate, that little John, when only six years of age, while standing between his knees, made the following request: "Mr. Smith, will you let me take a squeeze from your blue seal. My father has given me several impressions, and allows me to look at them when I am not engaged with my Latin books." To this anecdote I also subjoin the following, as it may be useful to some future biographer, who may be inclined to favour the public with a classic life of the inimitable Flaxman.

I have heard my late friend, the Rev. H. Mathew, relate, that in consequence of an accident which befel a model in his possession, he applied to M. Flaxman, a plaster figure-maker, who then lived in New-street, Covent-garden, to have it repaired. After he had conversed with him for some time in his shop, he heard a child cough behind the counter, and looking over, saw a little boy seated in a small chair before a large one, upon which he had a book.