PROLIFIC church sculptor Harry Hems is the focus of November’s historical talk at the Devon Rural Archive.

Harry Hems ran a very successful carving workshop in Exeter in the late 19th century and historian Dr Susan Andrew will be examining Harry’s remarkable life and work on Thursday, November 3, at 7pm in her illustrated lecture entitled: ‘Ecclesiastical carver Harry Hems: Saint or Sinner?’

‘Harry Hems was a highly accomplished wood and stone carver and his work can be seen in hundreds of churches and public buildings around the country and abroad. Many examples can be found in Devon, including carvings at Stowford Church, St Mary’s Uppottery and the parish church at Great Torrington among others,’ said Abi Gray, Resident Archaeologist at the DRA.

‘Harry originally came to Devon from London to carve the stonework for the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and his reputation was built from there. His work is highly skilled and very striking. ‘However, although he was very hard-working and a great philanthropist, he could also be a difficult character, fighting with his employees and refusing to pay his taxes.’

Susan’s richly illustrated talk will focus on the man and his methods: how he learned to carve and how he established his workshop and taught his workers, as well as including entertaining tales from his long career.

An independent researcher specialising in anthropology, sociology, comparative religion, art history, and architectural conservation, Dr Andrew regularly talks and writes about historic buildings and their craftsmen, and has recently published a book with archaeologist Dr Tom Greeves about The Three Hares.

The talk will take place in the lecture theatre at the DRA, Shilstone near Modbury, PL21 0TW, at 7pm and refreshments will be available from 6.30pm. Booking is recommended. To book please call Abi on: 01548 830832 or email: [email protected]. For further information visit the website: www.devonruralarchive.com.