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John Edwards Gray and Maria Emma Gray
Adams, George Gammon, born 1821 - died 1898 - Enlarge image
John Edwards Gray and Maria Emma Gray
- Object:
Roundel
- Place of origin:
England, Great Britain (made)
- Date:
ca. 1862 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Adams, George Gammon, born 1821 - died 1898 (maker)
- Materials and Techniques:
White wax on slate
- Credit Line:
Given by Miss I.D. Adams
- Museum number:
A.187-1980
- Gallery location:
In Storage
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.
