Women's Heritage Trail

Patience Lovell Wright was America's first professional sculptor and a self-appointed Revolutionary War spy. A native of Bordentown, she lived in this house after her marriage to Joseph Wright in 1748. She learned from her sister, Rachel, how to sculpt wax figurines and the two women created wax exhibits, which they took on tour, receiving commissions for portraits. Patience Wright was the first American artist to focus on creating wax figurines of living figures, traveling to London to seek new subjects for her sculptures. While in London, Wright met Ben Franklin, who introduced her to many prominent members of London society, and she was commissioned to create sculptures of the king and queen of England. As relations worsen between England and America, Wright took it upon herself to become a spy and sent information home to America hidden in wax heads. The only remaining full-size work of Wright's that exists today is a wax figure displayed in Westminster Abbey, London. Wright remained in England for the rest of her life. "A woman of remarkable intelligence and conversational powers, whose life-sized figures and busts of contemporary notabilities and historical groups were superior to anything of the kind previously seen." Comment regarding Patience Lowell Wright in the Dictionary of National Biography.
(Side Bar) In this residence, Patience Lowell Wright created original three dimensional portrait wax sculptures of family, friends, and neighbors. Because of her unique contributions to American art and culture, Ms. Wright is on the New Jersey Women's Heritage Trail.
The New Jersey Women's Heritage Trail highlights a collection of historic sites located around the state that represent the significant contributions women made to the history of our state. The Heritage Trail brings to life the vital role of women in New Jersey's past and present.

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Show me all markers in:  Bordentown, NJ  |  Burlington County  |  08505  |  New Jersey  |  United States of America

Wright House
Francis Hopkinson House
Home of Col. Joseph Borden 2nd
First movement by steam on a railroad in New Jersey
Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine Monument
British Raid on Crosswicks Creek
19th Century Railroading in Bordentown
Bordentown Female College
Bordentown Military Institute

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