Thomas Bentley

Thomas Bentley was born at Scropton, Derbyshire in 1731, the son of a farmer of the same name. In 1754, Bentley set up as a warehouseman and wool and cotton agent in Liverpool, and later befriended Josiah Wedgwood. Bentley understood the fashion world, so Wedgwood asked him to help with the design and marketing of his new ornamental wares, now known as jasperware; the pottery Wedgwood considered his greatest achievement. Bentley ran Wedgwood's business in London and their partnership was very successful. The book which Bentley is shown reading is John Gilbert Copper’s 'Life of Socrates', and the books stacked on the table behind the two Wedgwood-like reliefs also relate to philiosopy. Rigaud’s inclusion of the Three Graces alongside the Socrates relief drives home his intended comparison between the philosopher and Bentley himself as connoisseurs of moral and natural beauty.