Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Silver, Room 66, The Whiteley Galleries

Philip Rundell (1743-1827)

Bust
ca. 1827 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Philip Rundell (1743-1827) was a prominent figure in the silver trade in the 19th century; on his death he was said to be 'the wealthiest tradesman in the Kingdom'. Purchased jointly by the Departments of Sculpture and Metalwork, this bust is displayed in the Museum's newly refurbished Silver Galleries. It is probably a posthumous portrait.

The sculptor of the present piece, William Grinsell Nicholl (1796-1871) is chiefly known for his architectural work, including the frieze and pediment for the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge and the pediment for St George's Hall, Liverpool. He exhibited at the Royal Academy between 1822-1861.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitlePhilip Rundell (1743-1827) (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Marble
Brief description
Bust, marble, of Philip Rundell, by William Grinsell Nicholl, England, ca. 1827
Physical description
Then sitter is shown facing frontally wearing simple drapery in the classical style. The front is inscribed and the side signed.
Dimensions
  • Height: 53.5cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • 'PHILIP RUNDELL' (inscribed on front)
  • 'W.G. NICHOLL SCULPTOR' (signed on the side)
Object history
Commissioned by Joseph Neeld of Grittelton (the sitter's nephew); given to Drapers' Hall, London by Neeld in 1827; sold at Sotheby's 1995, for £2,823.
Subject depicted
Summary
Philip Rundell (1743-1827) was a prominent figure in the silver trade in the 19th century; on his death he was said to be 'the wealthiest tradesman in the Kingdom'. Purchased jointly by the Departments of Sculpture and Metalwork, this bust is displayed in the Museum's newly refurbished Silver Galleries. It is probably a posthumous portrait.

The sculptor of the present piece, William Grinsell Nicholl (1796-1871) is chiefly known for his architectural work, including the frieze and pediment for the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge and the pediment for St George's Hall, Liverpool. He exhibited at the Royal Academy between 1822-1861.
Bibliographic references
  • Bilbey, Diane and Trusted, Marjorie. British Sculpture 1470- 2000. A Concise Catalogue of the Collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum. London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 2002, p. 344, cat. 518
  • Gunnis, R., Dictionary of British Sculptors 1660-1851, London, 1952, pp. 271-2
Collection
Accession number
A.1-1995

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Record createdFebruary 26, 2003
Record URL
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