Hamo Thornycroft belonged to a family of sculptors. His father, mother, and grandfather were all distinguished sculptors. He was born in London. His brother, John Isaac Thornycroft, became a successful naval engineer, and their sister, Theresa, was the mother of the poet Siegfried Sassoon. Hamo's first major success was in 1876, with a statue in the classical style: Warrior Beasino. He subsequently completed statues of several famous figures, including that of General Gordon which stands in Trafalgar Square, that of Oliver Cromwell outside the Houses of Parliament, and one of John Bright in Rochdale. He was knighted for his services to the arts.