Opening of Crystal Palace, Sydenham 1854
Medal
1854 (made)
1854 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This silvered electrotype roundel is cast of the reverse of a medal commemorating the Opening of Crystal Palace, Sydenham 1854 and is made by George Gammon Adams in 1854.
After its removal from Hyde Park, the great glass building was recreated at Sydenham. It was enlarged, divided into courts and a barrel roof added. There was also additionally a concert hall and menageries. The Queen opened the building on 10 June 1854 in the presence of some 40,000 people.
George Gammon Adams (b. 1821-1898) was a portrait sculptor and medallist. He designed and exhibited prize medals for the Great Exhibition. In 1852 he was chosen to model the death mask of Wellington. One of his public monuments is the 'Napier' statue in Trafalgar square.
The roundel was among the items given to the Museum by I. D. Adams, the daughter of George Gammon Adams, in 1980. In total, 196 items were included in the Adams gift, which consisted of many models for medals as well as the busts and figurative sculpture. In most instances it is not possible to date conclusively the many models included in this gift.
After its removal from Hyde Park, the great glass building was recreated at Sydenham. It was enlarged, divided into courts and a barrel roof added. There was also additionally a concert hall and menageries. The Queen opened the building on 10 June 1854 in the presence of some 40,000 people.
George Gammon Adams (b. 1821-1898) was a portrait sculptor and medallist. He designed and exhibited prize medals for the Great Exhibition. In 1852 he was chosen to model the death mask of Wellington. One of his public monuments is the 'Napier' statue in Trafalgar square.
The roundel was among the items given to the Museum by I. D. Adams, the daughter of George Gammon Adams, in 1980. In total, 196 items were included in the Adams gift, which consisted of many models for medals as well as the busts and figurative sculpture. In most instances it is not possible to date conclusively the many models included in this gift.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Opening of Crystal Palace, Sydenham 1854 (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Silvered eletrotype under glass cover |
| Brief description | Roundel, silvered electrotype, commemorating the Opening of Crystal Palace, Sydenham 1854, Heads of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, by George Gammon Adams, England 1854 |
| Physical description | Britannia standing centrally is flanked by seated figures of Plenty (left) and Learning (right) in the background is the Crystal Palace. Figure of Fame is flying above. Inscribed. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | 'ORNATUR PROPRIIS INDUSTRIA DONIS' [exergue] 'MDCCCLIV' [signed] 'G.G. ADAMS'
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| Object history | Given by Miss I.D. Adams, daughter of George Gammon Adams in 1980. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Place depicted | |
| Summary | This silvered electrotype roundel is cast of the reverse of a medal commemorating the Opening of Crystal Palace, Sydenham 1854 and is made by George Gammon Adams in 1854. After its removal from Hyde Park, the great glass building was recreated at Sydenham. It was enlarged, divided into courts and a barrel roof added. There was also additionally a concert hall and menageries. The Queen opened the building on 10 June 1854 in the presence of some 40,000 people. George Gammon Adams (b. 1821-1898) was a portrait sculptor and medallist. He designed and exhibited prize medals for the Great Exhibition. In 1852 he was chosen to model the death mask of Wellington. One of his public monuments is the 'Napier' statue in Trafalgar square. The roundel was among the items given to the Museum by I. D. Adams, the daughter of George Gammon Adams, in 1980. In total, 196 items were included in the Adams gift, which consisted of many models for medals as well as the busts and figurative sculpture. In most instances it is not possible to date conclusively the many models included in this gift. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.308-1980 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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