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Opening of Crystal Palace, Sydenham 1854

Medal
ca. 1854 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This roundel (silvered electrotype) is cast of the obverse of a commemorative medal, and is made by George Gammon Adams. It commemorates the Opening of Crystal Palace, Sydenham 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.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleOpening of Crystal Palace, Sydenham 1854 (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Silvered electrotype 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
Conjoined heads of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to left, he bareheaded, she crowned. Inscribed.
Dimensions
  • Diameter: 6.4cm
Marks and inscriptions
'VICTORIA D:G: BRITANNIARUM REGINA F:D: ALBERTUS PRINCEPS CONJUX.' [below] 'MDCCCLIV' [signed] ' G.G. ADAMS'
Object history
Given by Miss I.D. Adams, daughter of George Gammon Adams in 1980.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This roundel (silvered electrotype) is cast of the obverse of a commemorative medal, and is made by George Gammon Adams. It commemorates the Opening of Crystal Palace, Sydenham 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
  • Forrer, L. Biographical Dictionary of Medallists, I, London, 1904, p. 23
  • Brown, Lawrence. British Historical Medals 1837-1901 - Vol II, The Reign of Queen Victoria. London: 1987, cat.no. 2545
Collection
Accession number
A.247-1980

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
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