William Rathbone, born in Liverpool, succeeded his father as head of the family company trading with the Americas. As Mayor of Liverpool during 1837–1838, he laid the foundation stone of St George's Hall. He was in charge of the distribution of Irish famine relief contributed by the New England states. Rathbone is represented as a full figure, in a confident stance, wearing a suit and a loose cape, the lapel of which he grasps in his left hand. Bronze relief plaques (now removed) were set into the front, left and right faces of the pedestal, on the front face was Commerce – the figures were portrayed in antique and oriental costume on board a sailing ship, masts and rigging forming the background. On the left face of the pedestal was Education – a child standing between the knees of a young seated woman, pointing at a book held by the child.