Great Exhibition 1851 London
Medal
1851 (made)
1851 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This roundel (silvered electrotype) is a cast of the reverse of a commemorative medal of the Great Exhibition 1851 London, and is made by George Gammon Adams.
The design represents Industry seated on cornucopiae receiving from Britain the reward of Fame. This work established the reputation of Adams as a medallist.
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.
The design represents Industry seated on cornucopiae receiving from Britain the reward of Fame. This work established the reputation of Adams as a medallist.
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 | |
Title | Great Exhibition 1851 London (generic title) |
Materials and techniques | Silvered electrotype under glass cover |
Brief description | Roundel, silvered electrotype, cast of reverse of medal commemorating the Great Exhibition 1851 London, Heads of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, by W.Wyon and George Gammon Adams, English, 1851 |
Physical description | Allegorical scene of three female figures. Winged figure of Fame attended by Commerce crowns the kneeling figure of Industry. Lion lies to left, prow of ship emerging to right, globe and cornucopia of fruits. In exergue are scabbard, victors laurel crown and bust of Athena. Inscribed. |
Dimensions |
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Marks and inscriptions | 'PULCHER ET ILLE LABOR PALMA DECORARE LABORIEM' [signed] 'G.A.ADAMS'
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Object history | Given by Miss I.D. Adams, daughter of George Gammon Adams in 1980. |
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | This roundel (silvered electrotype) is a cast of the reverse of a commemorative medal of the Great Exhibition 1851 London, and is made by George Gammon Adams. The design represents Industry seated on cornucopiae receiving from Britain the reward of Fame. This work established the reputation of Adams as a medallist. 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 |
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Collection | |
Accession number | A.274-1980 |
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Record created | June 24, 2009 |
Record URL |
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