Height overall: 59.5cm (23.5in)
Patinated hollow cast bronze. Reduction of the memorial marble bust of the Duke of Wellington (1769-1852) of herm form with truncated shoulders. Inscribed to the rear 'G.G. ADAMS SC / London, 1852’.
The present bust derives from the death mask taken by the sculptor George Gammon Adams (1821-1898) on 17 September 1852, three days after the Iron Duke’s death at Walmer Castle, Kent.
It was used to produce the marble portrait bust, commissioned to the artist by the Duke’s heir in 1852, for the family country home, Stratfield Saye, in Hampshire. The original marble bust is on loan from the ducal collection to London District, Horse Guards. A marble copy was purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, while the bronze version and bearing the same inscription is also in the ducal collection
Adams studied at the Royal Academy Schools and in Rome. He worked as both a sculptor and medallist at the Royal Mint, Tower Hill. He exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851. Further examples of the marble bust are in the Royal Collection Trust (bought by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, 1853), Burghley House, Lincolnshire, and the V&A South Kensington. Adams’ public works include the statue of General Napier in Trafalgar Square.