Samuel James Kitson (1848-1906) was a fine arts sculptor active in the United States from about 1876 to 1906. He maintained studios in New York City and Boston, Massachusetts. Most of his statuary were executed in marble. Many were religious in nature. His work consisted of full body statues, head and shoulder portraits and friezes. After the death of his older brother John William Kitson, he became more active in his Boston Studio where his younger brother Henry Hudson Kitson joined him. This information is provided by his great grand-niece.
Samuel James Kitson was born in Berry Brow Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England, on January 1, 1848 to John McWhire and Emma Jaggar Kitson, the third child and second son. He was a most promising artist and attracted a benefactor who provided funds for his continuing education. He studied in Rome Italy 1870-1873 and received two gold awards. After completing his studies he established a studio in Italy where his first patrons (English gentlemen) found him.
Due to the presence of his older brother J William Kitson in NYC, Samuel relocated to NYC about 1878 and began to receive private commissions as well as employment with Ellin & Kitson Architectural Sculptors (his brother’s firm), whose emphasis was the decoration of churches, commercial buildings and fine residences.
Prior to moving permanently to the United States, Samuel continued showing in his home country of England. He showed twice in Royal Manchester Institution 1874 Rebecca at the Well on loan, and in 1875 Isaac listed for sale for 150 Lbs. Between 1877 and 1880 Kitson exhibited three times at the Exhibition of the Royal Academy of Arts held in the summer.
