William Mossop (1751–1805) was an Irish medallist and founder of the art in Ireland.
He was born in St. Mary's parish Dublin, the son of a Roman Catholic named Browne. His mother thereafter married William Mossop. The Mossops were Protestant, and in order to obtain a place for her son in the Bluecoat School, which accepted only Protestants, his mother changed his surname to Mossop. He was educated at the school until he was fourteen years of age, upon which he started his apprenticeship.[1]
After his apprenticeship with John Stone in New Street, he set up business for himself at Bull Lane. He cut dies, crests and coats of arm, wine and office seals, and other devices. His first recorded medal, for John Beresford, was struck in 1782. He struck a number of medals for notable people in Dublin, the finest being for the James Caulfield, Earl of Charlemont. He also struck medals for the Royal Dublin Society.[1] According to historian Sir John Gilbert: "Although the medallic works of Mossop are not numerous, they are interesting as the first works of the kind produced in Ireland, and a lasting evidence of his natural ability in this department of art."[2]
He died of paralysis at this house at 68 Mecklenburgh St. in Dublin in 1805.[3] His son, William Stephen, also fine medallist, continued the business.