William Theed the elder

William Theed RA (1764–1817), called William Theed the elder, was an English sculptor and painter, the father of William Theed the younger, also a sculptor. He is best known for his Hercules Taming the Thracian Horses (c. 1816) in the Royal Mews, one of the first British sculptures to show the influence of the newly acquired Elgin Marbles.
He was trained at the Royal Academy Schools in 1786 and began a career in painting. After a tour with other artists of Italy (where he reportedly got married) he returned to England and worked as a modeller for Wedgwood from 1800 to 1804, and then for the silversmiths Rundell and Bridge from 1804 to 1817. He was elected an associate of the Royal Academy in 1811 and as Royal Academician in 1813. He trained his son in the early stages of the latter's career.