19-II Irish Tokens 19-II

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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.

[Continued from page 466.]

No. II. - THE WOODHOUSES.

WILLIAM WOODHOUSE and his son, John Woodhouse, have continuously carried on their work as medallists from about the year 1824 up to the present time. The father, William, was born in Dublin in 1805; he was the son of John Woodhouse, senior, a die-sinker and metal button manufacturer, residing at Lower Ormond-quay, who, after being trained in Birmingham, then as at present the great centre for such branches of trade, had settled in this city. For several years past the occupation of preparing metal buttons has almost disappeared from the list of our Irish manufactures. In the days of its prosperity, during the first quarter of this century, it was largely followed, and gave lucrative employment to more than one grade of workmen. Those men who engaged in the process of water-gilding, or coating dress buttons with gold dissolved in an amalgam of mercury, obtained exceptional high wages, but the occupation was most unhealthy and dangerous from the poisonous fumes of the mercury evolved by heat.

Young Woodhouse was educated in the Hardwicke-place School, and when of suitable age apprenticed in Birmingham to Mr. Halliday; he received training in drawing and design, which enabled him to compete for and gain the Duke of York's Prize from the London Society of Arts for a medal of Lord Byron, which was his first independent work. I possess a bronze impression of this medal, probably the only one remaining. The bust of Lord Byron is a work of no slight merit, well designed, and boldly executed. When a young lad, Woodhouse was fond of athletic sports, and proficient in the art of boxing, a branch of knowledge which, like metal button-making, has fallen into disuse. He was likewise a good horseman, and it is reported he even ran a race at Doncaster for the celebrated John Mitten of Alston, and won it, after the professional jockey engaged had lost the first heat. When he returned to settle in Dublin, his first employment was to prepare an official seal for the Corporation of Brewers, and through the influence of Mr. Robert Sutter, who belonged to that Corporation, he was admitted a freeman of the guild. He married a daughter of Mr. Richard Toomey, architect to the Corporation of Dublin, by whom he had five children. His eldest son, Mr. John Woodhouse, became his assistant, and continued his father's business when he retired from working as a medallist. The following description of the different medals he designed and struck will form the best record of his talent, industry, and success. So far as I can ascertain, the last work he was engaged in was a bust of O'Connell, made about the year 1847. After this time he left Dublin and resided in the country,

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relinquishing his artistic pursuits. He died December 6th, 1878, from an attack of congestive bronchitis, aged 73 years.

When retiring from the active duties of his profession, Mr. Woodhouse appears to have employed assistants, and his son speedily took up his father's unfinished work, completing, for instance, the die of the O'Connell medal; he also for a time continued to engrave his father's well-known name on some of his earlier works; hence we find certain signed medals appearing with dates subsequent to the time Mr. William Woodhouse had ceased to work at die-sinking. No doubt also several of the early dies which continued in demand were utilized for preparing medals subsequent to 1847. I regret to say that Mr. J. Woodhouse's protracted ill health has prevented his giving me accurate information about these alterations.

The size of the medals is given in proportions of an English inch and tenth of an inch.

MEDAL TO COMMEMORATE LORD BYRON.- Draped bust with open collar, to left; GEORGE GORDON BYRON, LORD BYRON; and in small letters on the shoulder, HALLIDAY F. Reverse.- A tomb inscribed, BYRON | NAT JAN 22 | 1788 | MORT APR 19 | 1824 ; on the right side a helmed warrior is represented with drooping sword, and to left an inverted smoking torch. The inscription, NOMEN FASTI MISCET SUIS GRÆCIA MEMOR. Under the torch a small W, and in the exergue, MISSOLONGHI.

Size, 1·5 of an English inch. I possess a bronze proof impression, as the medal was struck for competition by Mr. Woodhouse when still an apprentice of Mr. Halliday's in Birmingham, for the Duke of York Prize, which he obtained, it is exceptionally rare. So far as I can ascertain, my specimen is unique.

MEDALLET OF GEORGE IV.- The head on this pretty medallet is an accurate replica copied from the sovereign issued in 1825, which was made by Merlin after the bust of Chantrey, with short hair and bare neck, so that it is quite undistinguishable from the head on the current coin. It is inscribed, GEORGE IV KING OF GREAT BRITAIN. Reverse.- The harp with crown surrounded by a wreath of shamrocks.

Size, ·9, struck in copper and gilt. I believe this medallet in my possession is quite unique. It was a juvenile effort at die-sinking, and at the time it was made a strict surveillance was kept on die-sinkers to prevent attempts at forgery of coin. Whilst praising its execution the inspector broke the die, and cautioned its fabricator not to copy the king's head again. I received this traditional story with the medallet; it might, without difficulty, be mistaken for a sovereign.

EDWARD SMITH, ESQ.- Draped bust to the right represented three-quarter face ; inscription, EDWARD SMITH ESQR ; underneath in small letters, WOODHOUSE FECIT. Reverse inscribed, SCULPTOR | OF THE FIGURES &c | WHICH ADORN MANY OF | THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS | IN THE CITY OF DUBLIN | BORN 1749 | DIED 1812.

Size, 1·75. I have a fine bronze proof. The portrait is a highly creditable piece of modelling, and preserves for us the appearance of a distinguished Irish artist.

Edward Smith was born in the county Meath; his father was a

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and underneath, FROM THE | LANDLORD | TO | HIS IMPROVING TENANT | . At the sides a minute inscription, W WOODHOUSE - FCT DUBLIN. Reverse.- Farmhouse. plough, cow, &c.; in the background, a view of the church which Lady Downshire built on the estate; in exergue, W WOODHOUSE FECIT.

Size, 1·8. Of this also the impression in my cabinet is struck in soft metal.

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND.- An ornamented Irish harp, with a small crown above, and underneath, WOODHOUSE. This is surrounded by a raised border, inscribed, ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND INSTITUTED A D 1841. Reverse.- blank, with olive wreath.

Size, 2·1. Used as a Premium Medal for the Exhibitions held by this Society to promote agriculture. The example I have is a white metal proof.

SMALLER MEDAL OF SAME SOCIETY.- Is similar to that already described, but has a different wreath, consisting of fruits and heads of corn.

Size, 1·8. Also a proof in white metal.

ALBERT NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL TRAINING INSTITUTION.- Bust of Prince Albert, inscription as given, outside a narrow wreath of shamrocks, and below, IRELAND marked also WOODHOUSE. Reverse.- A wreath of olive, and within, TO | ---- | FOR GENERAL GOOD CONDUCT | INDUSTRY ON THE FARM | AND PROFICIENCY IN HIS STUDIES | ; then a plough, and under this, to left, W WOODHOUSE.

Size, 2·2. Only twelve silver medals were struck, and of these two were presented as premiums several years ago. The reverse die was engraved by Mr. J. Woodhouse, when he was an apprentice to his father. I possess a bronze proof impression.

FARMING SOCIETY OF IRELAND.- A farm, represented with cow, sheep, pig, &c.; W WOODHOUSE to left of exergue. Reverse.- A wreath of corn, and around, STUDIUM QUIBUS ARVA TUERI, with blank centre.

Size, 1·7. In bronze in the Museum of Royal Irish Academy.

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND, 1830.- A medal, inscribed with this motto, outside a wreath of laurel and palm. Reverse.- Two copias filled with flowers and fruit ; shamrocks between them. Above, on a ribbon, UTILE DULCI.

Size, 1·7. In bronze in the Royal Irish Academy.

FARMING MEDAL.- A plough, under shade of tree, with distant landscape; underneath, SPEED THE PLOUGH, and, in minute letters, WOODHOUSE FECIT | DUBLIN.

Size, 1·6. This is an early-issued agricultural medal, of which I have a white metal impression of the worn-out die. I do not know its history.

SCHOOL MEDAL.- Pyramid of books, globe, lyre, &c., and at top an owl ; caduceus to left, at side. In exergue, W. WOODHOUSE. Reverse.- blank, with olive wreath; W W underneath.

Size, 1·75 In white metal, in my cabinet.

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ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.- Busts of Linnæus and Cuvier, superimposed to left ; marked in the field in minute letters, LINNÆVS - CUVIER, and underneath, W WOODHOUSE. Inscription, R ZOOLOG SOC OF IRELAND MDCCCXXXI. Reverse.- A giraffe, and in three lines around, ADMIT BEARER TO THE GARDENS PHŒX PARK ON Sunday AFTER 2 O'CLOCK | GIRAFFE BORN IN LONDON 27 MAY 1841 | PRESENTED BY ZOO. SOC. OF LONDON 5 JUNE 1844. In exergue, W W F.

This Society will be remembered by Natural History students for the remarkable success which has attended its efforts in breeding lions. For a detailed account of this novel Irish industry, I refer to a Paper published by Valentine Ball, Esq., Director of the Irish National Museum, published in the Transactions Of the Royal Irish Academy.

Size, 1·25. I have specimens in both bronze and white metal.

FRIENDLY BROTHERS' MEDAL.- A Copy, in all respects, of the "Mossop Medal." The dies are still in fair order.

CONFIRMATION MEDAL.- A dove represented descending on a mitre and chalice ; open books single and triple cross, &c. In exergue, YOU WERE SEALED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE. EPHES i.13. Reverse.- MEMORIAL OF CONFIRMATION, with I. H. S. and other inscriptions.

Size, 1·25. The dies are lost. I have a white metal medal.

I have not attempted to describe or catalogue the numerous seals which Mr. Woodhouse prepared for different public and trading bodies, ecclesiastics, &c. He also struck several of the copper farthing tokens, which for a time circulated in Dublin and various provincial towns throughout Ireland.

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Royal Agricultural Society, which accomplished so much in promoting agriculture by holding provincial exhibitions, and its system of giving prizes. This Society, after a long and honourable career is merging its efforts into those of the Royal Dublin Society.

WILLIAM DARGAN, ESQ.- The head looks to right; behind is engraved DARGAN, and W W F in small capitals upon the neck. Reverse.- A representation of the Exhibition Building, erected on the Leinster Lawn, opposite to Merrion-square, on the grounds of the Royal Dublin Society; above this is inscribed, GREAT INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION | IN CONNEXION WITH THE ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY. In the exergue, ERECTED AT THE SOLE EXPENSE | OF WILLIAM DARGAN | OPENED THE 12th MAY 1853 | SIR J BENSON ARCHT; and in smaller letters, WOODHOUSE, F. Size, 1·75. The reverse die having broken, it was re-engraved. This repetition is recognized by the artist's name appearing as W WOODHOUSE F. I have a white metal impression of the first die, and a bronze proof taken from the second.

William Dargan, born 1799, died 1867. He constructed most of the leading lines of railways in Ireland, and accumulated a large fortune. His patronage of this Exhibition, whilst of great benefit to Ireland, and particularly to the city of Dublin, caused him a loss of £10,000. When the Queen visited the building he was offered, and declined, knighthood. His statue was erected on the site of the Exhibition in acknowledgment of his public spirit and munificent aid; it represents him in accordance with his popular appellation of "the man with his hand in his pocket." Unfortunately the latter part of his life brought serious reverses and loss of property.

WILLIAM DARGAN, ESQ.- A smaller medal, representing the head, of reduced size. Inscription, WILLIAM DARGAN, with W W F on neck. Reverse.- An Irish harp with the words, TO COMMEMORATE THE GREAT EXHIBITION OF 1853. Size, 1·25. The reverse of this medal was a piece of apprentice work, being the first die engraved by Mr. John Woodhouse.

DANIEL O'CONNELL, ESQ., M.P.- Head and draped bust to right; underneath, in small letters, P TURNERELLI DEL. W WOODHOUSE F. Reverse.- An altar, inscribed, VOX | POPULI | SUPREMA | LEX. To the right a figure of Hibernia erect, reading from a book on the altar, and having a harp at her side; to left a seated figure of Plenty, with reversed copia; and behind, Liberty, with a flag. Inscribed, CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY ALL OVER THE WORLD. In the exergue, in three lines, ELECTED LORD MAYOR | OF DUBLIN | THE 1st OF NOV 1841; and underneath, W WOODHOUSE. Struck in white metal. Size, 2·0. A similar medal, also made in white metal, is contained in the collection of the Royal Irish Academy, having in the exergue, ELECTED JULY 5th MDCCCXXVIII; and beneath, W WOODHOUSE DEL ET FECIT. This is therefore evidently one of Mr. W. Woodhouse's earliest works, which he utilized with a fresh exergue on O'Connell becoming Lord Mayor of Dublin. The obverse is again repeated in the case of the following medal:-

DANIEL O'CONNELL, ESQ., M.P.- Obverse as before. Reverse.- A view of the Bank of Ireland (the old Parliament House); above it, in small lettering, RESURGAM. In front, O'Connell robed as Lord Mayor, presenting

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various workmen to a seated figure representing Hibernia, having a harp and wolf-dog at her side; the dog, rather ludicrously, is barking at a man who is running off with an armful of English goods. On a raised rim is inscribed, HIBERNIA AT THE CALL OF O'CONNELL ADOPTS HER OWN AND REJECTS FOREIGN MANUFACTURE 1841; below, in minute letters, is read, W WOODHOUSE FECIT. Size, 2·0. Struck in bronze and white metal. the figure of Hibernia was modelled after Mr. O'Connell's daughter, Mrs. Fitzsimon of Glencullen. The reverse of this medal is crudely designed, and was executed in haste to meet a popular demand at the time, as was also the following:-

O'CONNELL MEDAL.- The representation of O'Connell, Hibernia, &c., in front of the Bank of Ireland is repeated, the die of the last medal being utilized; it is therefore one of those medals termed "mules." For the reverse there was made a new die, with wreath of shamrocks, and above a rayed crown, having in the field a long inscription in eleven lines, as follows: I AVOW MYSELF TO BE | A REPEALER | AND I SOLEMNLY PROMISE | THAT I WILL NOT CONSUME | OR SUFFER TO BE CONSUMED | ON MY PERSON OR IN MY HOUSEHOLD | BUT WILL BY ALL POSSIBLE MEANS | DISCOURAGE THE USE OF | ANY ARTICLE NOT | OF IRISH MANUFACTURE ; beneath, in small letters, appears, C. K. Size, 2·0. This medal I have always seen struck in white metal. The reverse of the medal with its uncompromising pledge is, strange to say, I believe, altogether of English manufacture. It was executed, like the last, in haste to satisfy a popular demand, and probably made in Birmingham.

MEDALLET OF O'CONNELL'S CLARE ELECTION.- Draped bust to left, DANL O CO--NNELL MP, and on the shoulder W W. Reverse.- Inscribed, THE MAN OF THE PEOPLE. Within is a wreath of shamrocks, and the words ELECTED | FOR THE | Co CLARE | JULY | 1828. Size, 1·05. Struck, for popular sale, in brass. The obverse of this medal, several years after, in 1864, was employed by Mr. J. Woodhouse to strike the following:-

MEDALLET OF O'CONNELL (his monument).- Head of O'Connell, as in last medal. Reverse.- TO COMMEMORATE THE LAYING OF THE FIRST STONE | OF THE O'CONNELL MONUMENT | AUGUST 8th 1864. Inside is a harp, crown, wolf-dog, and shamrocks. Size, 1·05. Struck in brass.

DANIEL O'CONNELL.- Bust to left, with draped shoulders, and a portion of the well-known cloak, so invariably associated with O'Connell's appearance in public. DANIEL O'CONNELL, BORN AUGT 6th 1775 DIED MAY 15th 1847 ; on the shoulder, W WOODHOUSE, and underneath the bust - the only mark of "Patent Registration" I am acquainted with on an Irish medal - together with two sprigs of shamrock. Size, 2·1. This was the last medal for which Mr. W. Woodhouse actually made the die. The likeness was copied from Foley's bust prepared for the O'Connell Statue. It was subsequently utilised for medals by his son, Mr. J. Woodhouse.

THE VERY REVD THEOBALD MATHEW.- Draped bust to left; inscribed, as stated. On the arm, in small letters, W WOODHOUSE | DUBLIN. Reverse.- A Greek cross, inscribed with the Temperance Pledge, I PROMISE TO ABSTAIN FROM ALL INTOXICATING DRINKS &c. EXCEPT USED MEDICINALLY AND