Not currently on display at the V&A

Duke of Wellington

Roundel
ca. 1852 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This is a model for the obverse of a commemorative medal, depicting the Duke of Wellington, made by George Gammon Adams in ca. 1852.

Arthur Wellesley, later the 1st Duke of Wellington, was Britain's greatest military commander. His brilliant tactics and leadership brought about major victories over the French in the Peninsular War of 1808-1814 and, most famously, at Waterloo on 18 June 1815. The Duke then became a politician (Prime Minister from 1828-1830) and distinguished elder statesman.

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
TitleDuke of Wellington (named collection)
Materials and techniques
White wax on slate
Brief description
Roundel, model for a medal, white wax on slate, Head of Duke of Wellington, by George Gammon Adams, English, ca. 1852
Physical description
Bare-head of Duke of Wellington to right clean-shaven.
Dimensions
  • Diameter: 6.4cm
Credit line
Given by Miss I.D. Adams
Object history
Given by Miss I.D. Adams, daughter of George Gammon Adams in 1980.
Subject depicted
Summary
This is a model for the obverse of a commemorative medal, depicting the Duke of Wellington, made by George Gammon Adams in ca. 1852.

Arthur Wellesley, later the 1st Duke of Wellington, was Britain's greatest military commander. His brilliant tactics and leadership brought about major victories over the French in the Peninsular War of 1808-1814 and, most famously, at Waterloo on 18 June 1815. The Duke then became a politician (Prime Minister from 1828-1830) and distinguished elder statesman.

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. 2473
  • Forrer, L. Biographical Dictionary of Medallists, I, London, 1904, p. 24
Collection
Accession number
A.201-1980

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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