Robert Tait McKenzie

McKenzie, Robert Tait
Robert Tait McKenzie, educator, sculptor, orthopedic surgeon, author (b at Almonte, Canada W 26 May 1867; d at Philadelphia, Pa 28 Apr 1938). He was a student at McGill 1885-92, and became well known for rehabilitative methods he developed as a medical officer during WWI. He later joined McGill as a lecturer in anatomy and a gymnastics instructor. He became equally famous for his sculpture. His early models - Violent Effort, Breathlessness, Fatigue and Exhaustion - were praised by artistic and scientific authorities; his statuette The Sprinter graced US President Theodore Roosevelt's desk at the White House.

Among McKenzie's later works were The Joy of Effort, Brothers of the Wind, numerous medallions and many statues and war memorials throughout Great Britain, Canada and the US. He restored the Mill of Kintail outside Almonte, and the mill's museum contains more than 70 of his works. He was director of physical education at the University of Pennsylvania 1904-30.

Author GERALD REDMOND