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No.3. Obverse as before. The reverse has a long inscription,
PRODUCED FROM THE ORE OF THE MINE OF TIGRONEY IN THE COUNTY OF WICKLOW
& WHICH IS WORKED BY THE PROPRIETOR IS HUMBLY PRESENTED FOR THE
ACCEPTANCE OF HIS MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY AS A SPECIMEN OF IRISH MINERALOGY
BY HIS MAJESTYS DEVOTED SUBJECT THOMAS RYDER PEPPER. Size, 1·8.
About 34 medals were struck with this strange inscription. There
is one in the collection of the Royal Irish Academy. His Majesty's taste
for "Irish mineralogy" was better illustrated by his retaining possession
of the largest piece of native gold found in Wicklow, when it was
exhibited to him. This specimen is understood to have been subsequently
melted down.
No.4. A medal, inscribed within a wreath of shamrocks, CAPPAGH
COPPERMINES COUNTY OF CORK. Reverse as last; in the exergue, XII AVG
MDCCCXXI.
No.5. STRUCK FOR THE ORANGE ASSOCIATION.- The king's head as described.
Reverse.- The Royal Arms and supporters, with a lion above the
motto, KING AND CONSTITUTION; and in small letters, MOSSOP FECIT. Size
as before.
This model usually occurs struck in silver. Both dies for this medal
are in the Royal Irish Academy, and a "hubb" for the head of George
IV. This is one of the hybrid medals termed "mules." The king's
head belonging to the commemoration medal by Mossop, junior, and the
reverse is taken from an old orange medal of his father's.
CLUB OF APPRENTICE BOYS OF DERRY.- A portrait, almost full-faced,
representing Rev. George Walker, to left, he is represented in armour,
over which are placed his robes. Inscription, GEORGE WALKER DEFENDER
OF DERRY. 1688. Underneath, in small letters, MOSSOP. Reverse.- The
City gate is shown with the Royal standard displayed. The besieged are
issuing for a sortie, and the enemy in flight, with their standard-bearer,
&c.; in the distance the relief vessels are seen sailing up the lough
above is, NO SURRENDER; in the exergue, in small letters, APPRENTICE
BOYS OF DERRY CLUB FOUNDED 1814. Under the city tower is the artist's
name, MOSSOP. F. Size, 1·7. Struck in bronze and silver.
The portrait of Walker is copied from a painting of Kneller's, which
gives a three-quarter view of the face. The dies are the property of the
club, and were for many years in possession of Major Blacker, of Castle
Blacker, Portadown. I have a proof medal struck in bronze on an extra
thick flange of metal; also a casting well executed in gun or bell metal,
and the original wax design for the reverse die, made by Mossop,
representing the gate of Derry.
A medal has recently been struck in England, representing Walker's
portrait, but with a totally different reverse. It occurs in soft white
metal.
ORANGE ASSOCIATION.- Mossop gives the following account of these
medals in his brief memoir. "The dies made by my father having been
destroyed by rust, I was engaged to make fresh dies in 1817. The medals
from my dies are generally struck in Britannia metal, though sometimes
in silver and bronze. My father's medals were mostly struck in silver,
though some were made in copper and gilt."
No.1. A reproduction of his father's medal. Size, 1·8.
No.2. A bust of William III. in armour, crowned with laurel, marked
beneath, MOSSOP. Inscription, THE GLORIOUS AND IMMORTAL MEMORY.
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Reverse like No. 1: The royal arms and supporters, with lion above the
Crown, KING AND CONSTITUTION, and the artist's name in small letters.
Size, 1·4. Struck in white metal, bronze, and silver.
No.3. Medal same as last. Reverse.- William is represented on horse,
with marshal's staff stretched out. Inscription, THE GLORIOUS AND IMMORTAL
MEMORY; and in exergue, MOSSOP F. Size, as last, and struck in
similar metals.
These medals must have been largely issued for many years. There are
sets of the dies in the Royal Irish Academy, and with Mr. Woodhouse,
who also has the plaster impression of Mossop's original medal for
the portrait of William, of which I possess a copy.
UNFINISHED MEDAL. No.1.- A draped figure of a female standing
erect; the left hand stretched out; the right holds a cadaceus, with
expanded wings, and twining serpents; a Copia at her feet. Size, 1·8.
This die was never completed or hardened. Mr. Woodhouse owns it.
I have an impression taken in soft metal. The female figure is engraved
also on a wax seal, made by Mossop for the Chamber of Commerce of the
city of Waterford.
UNFINISHED MEDAL. No.2.- Erect draped female figure, holding a
pair of scales, suspended with chains, in her left hand; her right
has a long crosier-shaped staff. No artist's name.
I have a soft metal impression. Mr. Woodhouse has the die, size 1·3.
UNFINISHED MEDAL. No.3.- A draped female figure to left, one
hand rests on a square altar, upon which is placed apparently a bee-hive;
behind the figure is a plough to left; marked in exergue, "Mossop."
Size, 1·6.
I have a soft metal impression, and also bronze, from the die which
Mr. Woodhouse hardened.
There are some other wax models of both the Mossops, undescribed in
these notes, which I possess. They do not illustrate their medals that
were entirely or in part completed. I therefore refrain from giving a
description of them. Some were obviously designed with the intention of
being employed as models to be engraved in steel. From causes unknown
the projects were deferred or abandoned.
I have recently found in a volume marked "Specimen Book," contained
in the Library of the Royal Irish Academy, and consisting of a
miscellaneous collection of sketches, a series of impressed stamps, given
by Mr. J. S. Cooper, Comptroller of the Stamp Office, Dublin, on April
7th, 1838, to the late Dean Dawson. These were executed for the Stamp
Office by W. S. Mossop, and are good examples of die-sinking. They all
represent the head of George III., similar to the portrait engraved on his
medal. The series consists of twenty-two different stamps:-
For the Law Fund, for 4s., 10s., £20, £50.
Receipt Stamps, 4d., 3s., 5s.
Bill or Note Stamps, 6d., 8d., 1s.
Bill Stamps, 5s., 15s., 25s.
Protest Stamp, 10s.
Enrolment Stamp, £1.
Legacy Stamps, 10s. per cent., £2 per cent., £5 per cent.
"Ireland," 2s., 5s., £1, £5.
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THE MEDALLISTS OF IRELAND AND THEIR WORK.
By WILLIAM FRAZER, F.R.C.S.I.,
Member of Council, Royal Irish Academy, &c.
No. I. - THE MOSSOPS.
THE medals that a country has produced may be compared to so many
isolated portions, or detached fragments, from a continuous narration of
its history; and, when studied under this aspect, their value to the historian
becomes obvious. It is difficult to estimate the extent of our
obligation to the medals of Greece and Rome, and the coins of these
countries, which, in truth should rank as medals, in elucidating their early
records. In Ireland, it is only within about the last hundred years that
they assume a true national character: and that we can claim to possess a
national series; yet they have failed to secure accurate investigation which
alone would render them useful. Students have been few, and the
medallic collections exceptional and limited; so that in the present day
we cannot point to even reliable descriptions which may be consulted.
Their history is still unwritten. The English series of medals has received
ample recognition and illustration in the two fine volumes lately published
by the Trustees of the British Museum; and in R. W. Cochrane-Patrick,
M.P., Scottish medals have secured an enthusiastic and liberal editor,
who has, at considerable personal expense, treated them fully and with
admirable illustrative engravings in his splendid work. We can point to
nothing of this character in Ireland, and whatever assistance our medals
could afford to elucidate the past, it will, so far as books are concerned, be
sought in vain. Yet the Irish series of medals are well deserving of
description. The men whose portraits are preserved on them are those
whose names we have reason to be proud of, the events they commemorate
form much of our modern history; and even should their theme relate
to some subject of local or limited interest, still it recalls objects or
circumstances once considered to deserve a record, and which at the time
produced sufficient impression on the public mind to be thus transmitted.
Medals, when studied with reference to their appreciation as objects
of art acquire augmented value in proportion to the talent displayed in
design, and the technical skill of their fabricator. In these respects, we
have reason to point with pride to two distinguished Irish artists-the
Mossops, father and son-both of whom, though labouring under serious
disadvantages, achieved brilliant successes. We have to acknowledge our
indebtedness to their labours for a long series of works in metal, reproducing
the portraits of many an Irishman, whose features we would
gladly look on: a Charlemont, for instance, or a Grattan, a David
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La Touche, a Primate Robinson, or O'Connell as he appeared in the year
1816, and others equally esteemed.
Being the fortunate possessor of an extensive series of Irish medals,
the result of several years' acquisitions, I have long considered their
ownership demanded, at least, an attempt to place on record such circumstances
connected with their history as could he collected, and which, if not
preserved, would to a large extent pass into oblivion. The effort may, perhaps,
induce others to supply my shortcomings, and possibly lead to our
Irish medallic works becoming better appreciated. In doing this I will,
in the first place, give brief histories of the Mossops, and describe their
medals; hereafter I may, perhaps, review the later medals of Parks,
the Woodhouses, Jones, and other Irish workmen in the same special
department of art.
There are already published accounts of the Mossops, father and son,
by Dean Dawson, in the Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy, also
a paper chiefly relating the history of William Stephen Mossop, junr., in
"The Dublin Monthly Magazine" for 1842, by a gentleman who knew
him for many years, and a number of details relating to both artists in
Gilbert's Dublin, where a list compiled by Mossop, junr., is given of the
principal works executed by his father and himself.
William Mossop.
William Mossop (Born, 1751; died, 1806).- The eminent position
which Mossop attained as an artist, nearly a century ago, renders it a
duty to collect these fast-fading traditions of his professional labours which
well deserve to be recorded. Those few individuals who are familiar
with the series of medals he struck, and value them, will feel that in
attempting to perpetuate his name, and direct fresh attention to his many
successes in medallic representations, the effort is far from needless; for
already, similar to the lot of too many Irishmen of genius, his countrymen
have begun to forget his claims to their recognition and gratitude.
His history presents us with another example of undoubted talent of a
high order, engaged in constant, uncomplaining labour, without receiving
the reward of adequate recompense from his cotemporaries, who were
liberal enough in admitting his genius, but failed to offer him that pecuniary
recompense which, in other countries has been willingly accorded
to men who have devoted themselves to similar artistic pursuits.
William Mossop, a Dublin citizen, was born, in 1751, in Mary's parish.
his father's name was Browne, and when be died, his widow married W.
Mossop, a relation of the popular actor and stage-manager, Henry Mossop.
The father of her child having been a Roman Catholic, she changed his
name, to obtain admission for him into the Blue Coat School, to that of her
second husband. On leaving this school, about 1765, he was apprenticed
to Mr. Stone, a die-sinker, who made seal-dies for the Linen Board, and
work of similar descriptions, upon which he kept young Mossop occupied.
At this time, and for many years afterwards, the trade of die-sinking in
Dublin was remunerative; for there was much demand for buttons struck
in metal, which was so well paid that the workmen who fabricated heavy
gilt buttons (then in ordinary use for gentlemen and their servants'
liveries) were able to earn large wages, and seldom worked above three
or four days each week, spending the rest of their time in idleness and
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MERENTI, and in exergue, PERGE, AGE, VINCE. Reverse.-Outside, a laurel
wreath, INSTITUTUM FEINAGLIANVN LVXEMBVRGI. In centre of wreath,
PUBLICA IN COLL TRIN DVB ADMISSIONE PRIMAS FERENTI. Space for name
and date to be engraved. Size, 1·6. In bronze in Royal Irish Academy.
I have a white metal proof. Mossop obtained from the Society of Arts
their premium for this medal.
The die was subsequently purchased for a school premium by the
Feinaglian Institution, and Mossop was paid £40 for engraving it.
No.2. A smaller medal. Minerva seated with owl, books, &c.;
inscribed, MERIT HAS ITS REWARD; and bearing, in small letters, MOSSOP.
Reverse.-A blank centre, with FEINAGLIAN INSTITUTION FOUNDED 15TH
SEPTEMBER, 1823. Size, 1·5. This is the ordinary school medal, of which
I have a fine bronze proof, and also one in white metal.
No.3. A medal with similar obverse, and on reverse a laurel wreath,
without inscription. Size, 1·5. Used for an ordinary school medal.
No.4. IRISH SOCIETY SCHOOL, COLERAINE.- Similar to last in obverse,
and having the reverse inscribed, THE HONBLE. THE IRISH SOCIETIES' FEMALE
SCHOOL COLERAINE. Size, 1·7. The specimen I have is in white metal.
CORK INSTITUTION MEDAL.- Man with horses and farm implements,
plough, harrow, &c. marked CORK INSTITUTION, and under the edge
of harrow MOSSOP. F. In the exergue, MDCCCVII. Reverse. - Blank,
With olive wreath. Size, 2·0. This was made by Mossop for the
Directors of the Cork Institution, who considered his price too high. The
silver proof he forwarded to Cork is still preserved. I have an
impression in bronze, and a proof in white metal. Mossop must have
subsequently utilized the die, as it is much worn. It is in Mr.
Woodhouse's possession. It was made in 1817.
NORTH OF IRELAND SOCIETY.- A head of Pallas in high relief, inscribed
with the words ARTS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, and marked, "MOSSOP."
Reverse.-A blank centre, with olive wreath; and outside, NORTH-WEST
OF IRELAND SOCIETY. Size, 1·8. A fine medal; struck about 1822. I
have a bronze proof, and a plaster impression from the original model
for the head of Pallas.
DUBLIN SOCIETY MEDAL.- Hibernia seated on a square pedestal, with
helmet and spear to right; behind is a shield, with Irish harp; she holds
a Copia with flowers, and her foot rests on a bundle of fasces. On base
of pedestal is MOSSOP. F. Motto, NOSTRI PLENA LABORIS.
In medals made before the visit of George IV. to Ireland; the
appellation Royal Dublin Society would not be employed; afterwards in exergue
is, ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY, INCORPORATED 1749. The earlier medals, with
this inscription, have a simple edge, and later ones are reticulated.
Struck in large numbers for premiums in all metals. Size, 1·8.
LARGE WELLINGTON MEDAL.- A fine profile portrait of the head of
Wellington to left. Reverse.-Fame represented as a winged angel,
draped, placing a wreath of victory on the head of a seated warrior;
behind him is his shield, and a Roman sword, with its point downwards,
hangs from his hand. Inscription, WATERLOO, JUNE.
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This uncompleted work of Mossop is a fine example of medallic art.
It measures 2·7. The dies remained unfinished, and were not hardened
until long after the artist's death; he only struck a few soft white metal
proofs, and the obverse unpolished die still retains the intersecting ruled
lines laid down for transferring the portrait from the model in wax. When
Mr. Woodhouse obtained possession of the dies he hardened them with
special precaution, and I obtained a proof impression, struck in bronze.
The original design for the head of Wellington, which Mossop made in
wax, is also in my possession. The medal has no trace of the artist's
name.
MEDALLET OF WELLINGTON.- A minute medallet in silver, with portrait,
inscribed, DUKE OF WELLINGTON, and having under the neck, MOSSOP,
was made about 1815. The reverse has a wreath of laurel and shamrocks
enclosing the word WATERLOO. Underneath is the name WEST. Size, ·4.
The dies were prepared for a well-known silversmith, Mr. West of
Skinner's-row, Dublin. I fear they are lost. This little medal is rarely
met with.
ORDER OF MERIT OF 22ND CHESHIRE REGIMENT.- A view of Windsor
Castle, in front of which a figure of George III. stands, receiving one of
the regimental medals from a kneeling officer. It is inscribed, ESTABLISHED
UNDER ROYAL SANCTION, 1785, and in smaller letters, MOSSOP F. Reverse.-
ORDER OF MERIT 22ND REGIMENT and two small branches of oak; within
these, RE-ESTABLISHED BY COL SIR H GOUGH 1st JANUARY 1820. Size,
1·5. Struck in silver and bronze, with clasp for ribbon.
The "Reward for Military Virtue," or "Order of Merit," was
instituted by Colonel Crosbie in 1785, in recognition of good service.
He distributed medals of silver gilt, of silver, and of bronze, according to
the different grade the soldier had attained. The original design represented
a warrior crowned by Hercules. George III. having accepted one
of these medals at Windsor, from Colonel Crosbie, the circumstance was
commemorated in the subsequent design by Mossop. The obverse die is
in Mr. J. Woodhouse's possession.
77TH REGIMENTAL MEDAL.- A Prince of Wales' plume rising from a
coronet, and on ribbon, ICH DIEN; below, the numbers 77, surrounded by
laurel branches, bearing a ribbon inscribed, PENINSULA. Reverse.-Blank,
with laurel wreaths. The centre was intended to have the name of its
owner engraved, with the battles he had been engaged in. Size, 1·5.
Made about 1818. Mr. Woodhouse has the die, and a wax impression
from an oval seal, engraved similar to the obverse of the medal.
MEDAL OF THE RIFLE BRIGADE.- A rifleman kneeling and shooting
to right; inscribed, RIFLE BRIGADE; underneath are two laurel branches.
Reverse.-Wreaths of laurel rise from a pendant Maltese cross, which
hangs from an eight-rayed sun in centre; this bears a round garter
inscribed, MARKSMAN; near the edge, "MOSSOP." Size, 1·3. Bronze, silvered.
This medal is undescribed, and must be very rare. The edge of the
example in my possession is inscribed, SERJ JOHN REAKS. The original
design prepared by Mossop, in red wax, for his figure of the rifleman is
in my possession; it is slightly damaged. A seal representing a similar
kneeling figure is still used by some of the officers of this regiment
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MEDALS MADE BY WILLIAM MOSSOP, SENIOR.
THOMAS RYDER.- The bust to right, inscribed with the name, and in
smaller letters, W. M. F. Reverse.- Wreaths of laurel and palm with
lyre and comic mask at their junction. In centre, NON ALIENA |
UNQUAM | RYDER | VESTIGIA | PRESSIT; and below, W. M. F. Size, 1·7 of
English inch. This medal, which occurs in bronze and silver, was
Mossop's first work. It records a talented comic actor, manager of Smock
Alley Theatre from 1772. He was son of Preswick Ryder, a printer,
who resided in portion of Old Cork House, in Castle-street, Dublin, and
absconded after printing a pamphlet against the Government. He lived
as an itinerant player for many years in England under the name of
Darby, during which time his son was born. As manager of Smock Alley
Theatre Ryder made money, and got £3000 by the Royal Exchange
Lottery, but lost it, and became bankrupt. After visiting London,
Edinburgh, &c., he returned, in 1791, to Dublin, and died of a broken
heart. There is a touching note in White's "Miscellanea Nova," published
in 1800, on his career. When wealthy he built a large house in
Eccles-street, now divided into two, which was known as "Ryder's
Folly." There is a scarce portrait of Ryder, painted by Harding and
engraved in stipple by W. N. Gardiner, which I possess. The medal
was struck in 1782; but, though much praised, its sale was a failure,
and hence it is seldom to be procured.
MEDALLION OF RIGHT HON. JOHN AND MRS. BERESFORD.- Their busts,
superimposed, and beneath, W. Mossop. Reverse, blank. Size.- 2·1. In
bronze in Royal Irish Academy. Hon John Beresford, second son of
Viscount Tyrone, represented Waterford in Parliament for forty-four
years until his death in 1805. His second wife, Barbara, daughter of
Sir Wm. Montgomery, was a celebrated beauty. The medal, which is
curved, was struck to be set in the side of a tankard of silver which
Dr. Achmet, proprietor of baths in Dublin, presented in acknowledgment
of some favours conferred on him through the Beresfords' influence.
Achmet, who was the son of a Dublin tradesman named Kearns, dressed
like a Turk, and passed for one for somc years. An amusing account of
his baths, &c., is given in Madden's "Periodical Literature," vol. ii.,
p. 209. Mr. Beresford, after whom Beresford-place is named, was
practically the ruler of Ireland for many years. His wife and her
sisters were drawn by Sir J. Reynolds as "The Graces." The picture is
now in the National Gallery. The medal was struck in 1788; I believe
it is unique.
HENRY QUIN, M.D.- Bust to right; inscription, HENRICUS QUIN, M.D.,
and under the neck, in small leters, W. MOSSOP F. Reverse.- blank.
Size, 1·65. This was struck for Robert Watson Wade, First Clerk
of the Irish Treasury, to show his gratitude after recovering from a severe
illness, caused by an "imposthume" in his side. The original gold medal
given to Dr. Quin is in the possession of his grandson, Rev. R. Quin,
Rector of Forkhill. It has an engraved inscription: "EX | ANIMO
GRATO | OB | SANITATEM | RESTITUTAM | EXCUDI CURAVIT | R. W. WADE |
M.DCCLXXXVIII. The original steel die is in my possession. Examples
The size of these Medals is given in English inches and tenths of an inch.
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occur in silver, bronze, and silver gilt. Dr Quin presented copies to his
friends, for one made in silver and gilded, and which I have, is inscribed
"The gift of Henry Quin, Esq., M.D., to John Logan, Sculptor of Gems,
as a token of friendship, Nov. 1, 1789." Mossop likewise acknowledged
his obligations to Dr. Quin, according to his own statement, by inscribing
one of these medals as follows:- "Sacred to the man who, after
finding out the author in obscurity, led him into the profession of this
polite art, and became his patron, his friend, and his liberal benefactor."
I have failed to trace this medal. Dr. Quin was a distinguished Dublin
physician, and near relative to the celebrated actor. He discovered a
mode of reproducing gems in coloured glass paste, and instructed James
Tassie in his method of fabricating them. This led to his future success
in London in making the so-termed "Tassie's Gems," which obtained
wide celebrity. I possess some made by Dr. Quin himself, which are fine
specimens of workmanship.
DAVID LA TOUCHE.- Bust to waist, with cravat and coat; a cap on the
head. Inscription-DAVID LATOUCHE ESQ BELVIEW; and on the arm, in
small letters, MOSSOP. Reverse.- A group of allegorical figures, representng
Justice, Truth, and Liberality, with Eagle and QUI BENE PARTA
MELIUS DISPENSAVIT for inscription, and in the Exergue NAT 1704 OB
1785. Size, 1·7. There is an engraving of this medal in Clayton's
Views of Dublin. The dies are in the possession of Mr. J Woodhouse.
He has also a wax impression of a seal representing the portrait, but
evidently not a work of Mossop's. It is needless to allude to the
distinguished position which David La Touche held in the city of Dublin.
This medal occurs in bronze and silver.
WILLIAM ALEXANDER, Esq.- Bust to right, with draped shoulders
and bare neck; a soft conical cap on head; arm inscribed in small letters,
MOSSOP. The name WILLIAM ALEXANDER around bust. Reverse.- Blank.
Size, 1·8. This medal, of which Mr. Woodhouse has the die was made
in 1785. It represents a leading Dublin merchant, who lived in 15,
Sackville-place; in 1779 he became alderman, and in 1788, Lord Mayor.
He was afterwards one of the superintendent magistrates, and as such,
arrested Henry Sheares in 1798, in his house in Baggot-street. I have
seen it only in bronze.
WILLIAM DEANE, Esq.- Draped bust to right, inscribed GVLIELMVS
DEANE ARM, and on the arm, in small letters, MOSSOP F. Size, 1·7. Occurs
in bronze and copper gilt; stated to have been made in 1785. Mr.
Deane was a solicitor and officer in the Court of Chancery, and further
distinguished himself by practical scientific pursuits; for he established
works to make bottles and window glass, which were aided by parliamentary
grants. His name appears amongst the original members of the
Royal Irish Academy. He died in 1793, leaving his chemical apparatus
of glass, and planetarium to Trinity College, and large bequests to Stevens'
Hospital and the Rotundo.
EDMUND SEXTON VISCOUNT PERY.- Head to right, with inscription EDM
SEX VISCOUNT PERY, and below, MOSSOP. Reverse.- Blank. Size, 1·7.
Made in bronze and silver. Mr. J. Woodhouse has the die. Edmund
Sexton, Viscount Pery, born 1719, entered Parliament in 1751, and was
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