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Opening of Blackfriars Bridge and Holborn Viaduct

Model
ca. 1869 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This roundel is a model for the reverse of a commemorative medal to celebrate the opening of Blackfriars Bridge and Holborn Viaduct, and is made by George Gammon Adams.

The original bridge has been built in 1760-69 and designed by Robert Mylne, was pulled down in 1864. The foundation stone of the new bridge designed by Joseph Cubitt and H. Carr was laid by the Lord Mayor on 20 July 1867 and opened by Queen Victoria on 6 November 1869. Holborn Viaduct took six years to complete and was opened on the same occasion as Blackfriars Bridge. The viaduct, which was constructed to span the valley of the river Fleet and designed by the City surveyor, William Heywood, is reputed to have cost £2,500,000.

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 Blackfriars Bridge and Holborn Viaduct (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Plaster
Brief description
Roundel, model for medal, plaster, Opening of Blackfriars Bridge and Holborn Viaduct, by George Gammon Adams, English, ca.1869
Physical description
Allegorical scene depicting Londinia offering her sword to Britannia, who rides into the city on a biga, accompanied by her lion. In the background Holborn Viaduct.
Dimensions
  • Diameter: 17.6cm
  • Depth: 2.2cm
Object history
Given by Miss I.D. Adams, daughter of George Gammon Adams in 1980.

Historical significance: The original bridge has been built in 1760-69 and designed by Robert Mylne, was pulled down in 1864. The foundation stone of the new bridge designed by Joseph Cubitt and H. Carr was laid by the Lord Mayor on 20 July 1867 and opened by Queen Victoria on 6 November 1869.
Holborn Viaduct took six years to complete and was opened on the same occasion as Blackfriars Bridge. The viaduct, which was constructed to span the valley of the river Fleet and designed by the City surveyor, William Heywood, is reputed to have cost £2,500,000. This piece is one of a series of medals commissioned by the Corporation of the City of London; 400 specimens were struck.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This roundel is a model for the reverse of a commemorative medal to celebrate the opening of Blackfriars Bridge and Holborn Viaduct, and is made by George Gammon Adams.

The original bridge has been built in 1760-69 and designed by Robert Mylne, was pulled down in 1864. The foundation stone of the new bridge designed by Joseph Cubitt and H. Carr was laid by the Lord Mayor on 20 July 1867 and opened by Queen Victoria on 6 November 1869. Holborn Viaduct took six years to complete and was opened on the same occasion as Blackfriars Bridge. The viaduct, which was constructed to span the valley of the river Fleet and designed by the City surveyor, William Heywood, is reputed to have cost £2,500,000.

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
  • Brown, Lawrence. British Historical Medals 1837-1901 - Vol II, The Reign of Queen Victoria. London: 1987, cat.no. 2906
  • Forrer, L. Biographical Dictionary of Medallists, I, London, 1904, pp. 23-24
  • Welch, Numismata Londinensia, London, 1894, pp. 73-88
Collection
Accession number
A.140-1980

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
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