Not currently on display at the V&A

John Edwards Gray and Maria Emma Gray

Roundel
ca. 1862 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This is a model for the obverse of a laudatory medal, depicting John Edward Gray and his wife Emma Gray, and it is made by George Gammon Adams.

John Edward Gray (1800-1875) studied medicine. He had first interests in botany, later zoology. He worked at the British Museum in the zoology department from 1824 till 1874 and become keeper of the department there in 1840. His wife Maria Emma (1787-1876) was a conchologist and algologist and assisted her husband in his studies.

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
TitleJohn Edwards Gray and Maria Emma Gray (generic title)
Materials and techniques
White wax on slate
Brief description
Roundel, model for a laudatory medal, white wax on slate, John Edward Gray and Maria Emma Gray, by George Gammon Adams, English, ca. 1862
Physical description
Superposed heads to right in profile of John Edward Gray (1800-1875) and his wife Maria Emma Gray. He is bare-headed and clean-shaven. She wears a lace cap. Inscribed.
Dimensions
  • Diameter: 4.9cm
Credit line
Given by Miss I.D. Adams
Object history
Given by Miss I.D. Adams, daughter of George Gammon Adams in 1980.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This is a model for the obverse of a laudatory medal, depicting John Edward Gray and his wife Emma Gray, and it is made by George Gammon Adams.

John Edward Gray (1800-1875) studied medicine. He had first interests in botany, later zoology. He worked at the British Museum in the zoology department from 1824 till 1874 and become keeper of the department there in 1840. His wife Maria Emma (1787-1876) was a conchologist and algologist and assisted her husband in his studies.

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. 467
  • Brown, Lawrence. British Historical Medals 1837-1901 - Vol II, The Reign of Queen Victoria. London: 1987, cat.no. 2787
Collection
Accession number
A.187-1980

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest