Height overall: 28cm (11in)
Patinated hollow cast bronze. Reduction of the memorial marble bust of the Duke of Wellington (1769-1852) of herm form with truncated shoulders. Signed to the rear 'G.G. Adams SC / Published Jan 10th 1853’.
The present bust was executed from a 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. The resulting marble bust is on loan from the collection of the present Duke of Wellington to London District, Horse Guards. An identical bronze to the present example is in the ducal family 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.