Design (probably) by Matthew Cotes Wyatt for an engraving illustrating a proposed memorial to King George III, c. 1830s, pen and ink on paper

Design for an engraving illustrating a proposed memorial to King George III in which the King is imagined in a classical mode. King George III is depicted commanding a horse-drawn chariot, flanked by angels, with orb and sceptre in hand. A trampled dragon beneath the horses' feet reference his namesake. The ensemble sits atop of a large, undecorated plinth.

The drawing was attributed in Abbott and Holder’s ‘List’ to Thomas Allom, but on further investigation there appears to be no connection between him and the design. Instead it seems probable that the drawing was made by Matthew Cotes Wyatt for an engraving that was circulated to publicise his proposal for a public monument to King George III. This is recorded in the March 1822 issue of the Gentleman’s Magazine, where a copy after the engraving was published: “…when [Wyatt’s] design was sufficiently matured, he circulated an Engraving of it through the country; a copy of which is annexed for the gratification of our Readers…” . In Wyatt’s initial proposal, intended for Waterloo Place, George III is imagined in a classical mode. Commanding a horse-drawn chariot, flanked by angels, he is depicted with orb and sceptre in hand. The trampled dragon beneath the horses’ feet reference his namesake.

A related print (using etching and engraving techniques) was published in the New European Magazine in August of the same year, 1822. Two copies of this version exist in the collection of the British Museum (1865,0708.722 and 1870,1210.190). The prints are inscribed with the following information: ‘M. Wyatt Esq. Des. / R. Baker Sc. / London, Pubd. for the New European Magazine, by John Letts, Junr. 32 Cornhill, 1st. August 1822.’

The proposed design, recorded in the Gentleman’s Magazine and the New European Magazine was never realised. Instead, a less elaborate sculpture was built on Cockspur Street and unveiled to the public on 3 August 1836. The design was reduced in scale and grandeur because of inadequate funds; the statue was paid for by public subscription rather than a private gift. These early prints, and the design drawing offered for purchase, are therefore some of the only records of Wyatt’s original proposal.

E.342-2019