Live Auction 1186The Collection of Professor Sir Albert Richardson, P.R.A.
A CIRCULAR BRONZE MEDAL OF WILLIAM IV WITH LONDON BRIDGE TO THE REVERSE
Lot 90

A CIRCULAR BRONZE MEDAL OF WILLIAM IV WITH LONDON BRIDGE TO THE REVERSE

BY BENJAMIN WYON (1802-1858), CIRA 1831

Closed19 September 2013

Price Realised

GBP 250

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A CIRCULAR BRONZE MEDAL OF WILLIAM IV WITH LONDON BRIDGE TO THE REVERSE
BY BENJAMIN WYON (1802-1858), CIRA 1831
In an engine-turned wood frame with suspension loop, the front inscribed 'WILLIAM THE FOURTH' and signed 'Benj Wyon F.'; the reverse inscribed 'LONDON BRIDGE/COMMENCED 15 JUNE 1825/OPENED 1 AUGUST 1831' and signed 'Benj Wyon F.'; together with a bronze bust of Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany, after Joseph Nollekens, 19th century; and a cast-iron figure of George IV, 19th century
The Medal: 3 in. (7.5 cm.) diameter, overall (3)

Specialist note

Benjamin Wyon was an English medallist, die-sinker, sculptor and engraver. He received instruction from his elder brother, Thomas Wyon the younger and succeeded his father as Chief Engraver of the Seals in 1831. The old London Bridge was deemed to be beyond modernisation so the decision was taken to replace it and a competition was set for the design. It was won by John Rennie (1761-1821) with his bridge finally opening ten years after his death, in 1831.