Biography

Silvanus Ben Wilmot 6/10/1852 – 26/5/1926

Silvanus Wilmot, a member of Holy Trinity Launceston congregation, sculptor and monumental mason, was born at Withycombe, Devonshire and apprenticed into his craft as a young man. Then, as a journeyman, he worked throughout England and the continent. When his family moved to London, he migrated to Australia, and executed panels on the then Victorian colonial parliament house. About 1891 he came to Launceston where his first work was the massive frieze on the AMP building, Cameron Street. The architect was Alexander North and builders J.T. Gunn Ltd. Other early works included the altar for the Roman Catholic Church at Westbury, the pulpit in memory of the late Canon Adams, at St. Mary's Church, Hagley; and some wood carving at St. David's Cathedral, Hobart. Probably Wilmot's finest and most extensive work was for the same architect and builders on the present Holy Trinity Church, Launceston - externally and internally. He also worked with them on St. Aidan's Church, Launceston. It is not known whether any of the stone carvings in the transept and chancel areas of the St. John’s Church extension are from his hand. An advertisement for his business was on the front page of the June 1902 issue of Church Messenger, which may suggest his involvement, but no known invoices or receipts support that possibility.

At 39 years of age, Silvanus married Georgina Susan Wellsnan Quantance Warder, aged 30 years, in Launceston 20th February, 1895.  They had 3 children:  Josie  1896 - 1980 Winnifred 1897 - 1962; and Silvanus Ben 1898 - 1982

He operated his business in a yard at the corner of Brisbane and Tamar Streets, the site now occupied by the Frank Dowse gate to City Park. After his death, the business continued to be operated by his son, also Silvanus but known as Ben. It is not inconceivable that the younger Silvanus had a hand in the carving of the St. John’s font, as both he and his father were skilled sculptors and carvers.

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