Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Tyler, William
TYLER, WILLIAM (d. 1801), sculptor and architect, was a contributor to the exhibition of the Society of Artists during the first eight years of its existence, ending in 1760 a design for a memorial to General Wolfe, and subsequently busts and monumental tablets. When the society was incorporated in 1765 he became a director. On the foundation of the Royal Academy in 1768 Tyler was nominated one of the original forty members, and he afterwards held the post of auditor. In that capacity he in 1799, with George Dance (1741–1825) [q. v.], drew up a report on the financial position of the institution, in acknowledgment of which service he was presented with a silver cup. Tyler practised architecture as well as sculpture, but displayed no great ability in either art. The Freemasons' Tavern was erected by him in 1786. He exhibited annually at the academy from 1769 to 1786, and once more in 1800, when he sent his design for a villa built at Kensington for the Duchess of Gloucester. He died at his house in Caroline Street, Bedford Square, London, on 6 Sept. 1801.
[Sandby's Hist. of the Royal Academy; Redgrave's Dict. of Artists; Exhibition Catalogues.]