19-III Irish Tokens 19-III

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[Reprinted from the "JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HISTORICAL AND ARCHÆOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND" for July and October, 1887.]

THE MEDALLISTS OF IRELAND AND THEIR WORK.

By WILLIAM FRAZER, F.R.C.S.I.,

Member of Council and Librarian, Royal Irish Academy.

[Continued from Vol,. VII., page 619.]

NO. III. - THE WOODHOUSES.

JOHN WOODHOUSE, son of William Woodhouse (whose works as a medallist I have already described), was born in Dublin in 1835, and educated in that city. He entered the Art Schools of the Royal Dublin Society in 1851, under Mr. Neilan. Next year he was occupied at Cork in striking his father's medals at the Art Exhibition held there, and obtained a first prize for his drawing of the Dying Gladiator from the Royal Dublin Society, and a Certificate of Proficiency in the junior class for Artistic Anatomy. In 1853 he was employed in cutting his first steel die - the harp for the reverse of the "Dargan" medal made by his father; he also prepared a miniature medallet, representing thc head of Dargan, copied from the larger-sized medal. He was awarded the silver medal of the Royal Dublin Society for Artistic Anatomy, and the Local Medal and National Medallion for his execution of four heads modelled in low relief; these, with an impression of the medal of Sir Benjamin Brodie, are preserved in a frame in the possession of the Irish School of Art. I understand there were only four of these National Medallions ever issued for Irish competition.

In 1854 he again succeeded in obtaining the Local Medal for a model of the head of the Queen, intended to be used for a medal by the Queen's University ; this was copied after the portrait engraved on the Coronation Medal made by Wyon. The die for this medal was engraved by his father. When undergoing the process of hardening, a crack appeared across the face of the portrait, which did not interfere with its being used to strike medals until some time had elapsed, when Mr. Woodhouse re-engraved it. The impressions from the first die are recognised by having the letter "W" on the Queen's neck. Medals made from the second die are marked WOODHOUSE F underneath the bust, and the lettering of the inscription is in different characters. About 1876 a third die was required, which John Woodhouse made. In this medal the Queen's head is represented of larger size, and it has underneath the words J WOODHOUSE.

In 1862 the Prize Medal of the Royal Hibernian Academy was presented to Mr. J. Woodhouse for his skill in modelling, and in the course of the next year he was elected to the rank of an Associate Academician. His talents as a medallist can be judged by studying his works, and the number of medals he executed will testify to the diligence with which he pursued his profession. Unfortunately, in the midst of his career, he was attacked by a dangerous and severe illness, which has incapacitated him from pursuing his usual avocation; after some months of suffering, he has

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so far improved in health, that his friends hope they may again see him engaged in the active prosecution of his attractive art. It is with much regret that I state, from my own knowledge, how little his talents have profited him. Like many of Ireland's brilliant sons, we are proud of his abilities, but fail to reward them with more than empty praise and words, not acts of sympathy.

DARGAN MEDALLET.- Head to right; behind it DARGAN. Reverse.- Blank.- A white metal proof in my possession, made for practice in die-sinking when sixteen years of age. Size, ·9.

MEDALLET OF CUPID IN CHAINS.- leaning on a hoe, to right. Engraved after a gem of Pichler's. White metal; unique impression, in my collection. Size ·9.

MEDALLET OF HORSE.- In white metal; an early study, and rare; in my possession. Size, ·9.

SIR BENJAMIN BRODIE.- A finely-modelled head (copied from the English medal of this distinguished surgeon), looking to left, behind BRODIE. On the neck J W. Reverse.- An olive wreath. Size, 2·0. This medal was made as an art study. I have an impression in bronze.

DANIEL O'CONNELL.- Bust with neck of coat, and portion of well-known cloak to left. DANIEL O'CONNELL BORN AUGT 6TH 1775 DIED MAY 15TH 1847. Beneath is the "Patent Registration mark" between two shamrocks ; and on the arm of the bust W WOOOHOUSE. Reverse.- Foley's model for the Monument now erected in Sackville-street; on base H. FOLE'Y R A; and beneath, in small letters, J WOODHOUSE. The inscription is, TO COMMEMORATE THE CENTENARY OF O'CONNELL'S BIRTH AUGUST 6TH 1875. Size, 2·1

This was the last medal made by William Woodhouse before going to the country; and its reverse the first die published with his son's name; struck in white metal. About six dozen impressions were struck.

DANIEL O'CONNELL (Erection of the Monument).- A replica of the last described medal, but the monument has the date 1881; and the inscription on two raised ribbons is TO COMMEMORATE THE ERECTION OF --- THE O'CONNELL MONUMENT IN DUBLIN. Size, 2·1. Struck in white metal. I have an impression.

DANIEL O'CONNELL (Centenary of Birth).- Bust to right; on neck W W. Inscribed DANIEL O'CONNELL M P, BORN AUG 6TH 1775 DIED MAY 1847. Reverse.- Round tower, harp, and wolf-dog, with sun rising over the sea. Above, CATHOLIC | EMANCIPATION | REPEAL. In exergue, CENTENARY | 1875. | In small letters under tower, J. W. Size, 1·4.

Portrait copied from Mr. W. Woodhouse's model. Of this medal, 11,000 sold within a few weeks. I have a white metal proof.

DANIEL O'CONNELL (Erection of Monument).- Copy of last head, marked WOODHOUSE on neck, and underneath, DUBLIN. Reverse.- Irish cross with harp, dog, and distant round tower; around top of cross, CATHOLIC EMANCIPATION. Inscription, COMMEMORATE THE ERECTION OF THE

+

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SOUTH GREAT GEORGE'S-STREET.- A similar medal to that last described. Both medals issued in white metal.

RUAN TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.- Inscribed RUAN above a shamrock, Outside is, TEMPERANCE SOCIETY A.M.D.G ESTABLISHED JANY 23RD 1876. Reverse.- Bust of Father Mathew to left ; on arm, J WOODHOUSE DUBLIN. Inscription, THE VERY REVD THEOBALD MATHEW. Size, 1·8.

Struck in white metal, of which I have a specimen. Ruan is a post-town near Ennis.

ST. PATRICK'S JUVENILE TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.- Inscribed around an ornamented Irish cross (the Monasterboice Cross). In exergue, J WOODHOUSE DUBLIN. Reverse.- St. Patrick to left, with mitre and crozier, holding a shamrock; behind are a round tower and mountains, with the sun rising over the sea. SAINT PATRICK APOSTLE OF IRELAND PRAY FOR US. Underneath, A D 432; and on a stone J W. Size, 1·7.

I have a white metal proof. This medal was made in 1878. Two thousand were struck for the Rev. the Rector of Phibsborough.

OSSORY TOTAL ABSTINENCE ASSOCIATION.- Obverse, similar to reverse of last-described medal, but engraved on a smaller die ; inscription as given, and underneath, ST PATRICK APOSTLE OF IRELAND PRAY FOR US. In exergue, AD 432. Reverse.- A representation of the Crucifixion ; around this the pledge, I PROMISE TO ABSTAIN FROM ALL INTOXICATING DRINKS DURING MY LIFE | 1880 | Above the date is inscribed, I THIRST. Size, 1·5.

I have a white metal impression. This medal was struck in large numbers.

GUILD OF ALL SAINTS.- Thus inscribed, with crown and shamrocks, beneath two crossed palm branches. Reverse.- A decorated cross, and the words NO CROSS, NO CROWN. A fish-shaped medal for suspension, 1·8 by 1·0. Made in white metal and bronze, in 1875, for Rev. Dr. Maturin, parish of Grangegorman. I have an impression in white metal.
 

Oval and fish-shaped white metal medals, struck for Religious Associations and Confraternities.

Mr. Woodhouse made several, of which I have examples. It appears needless to describe them, as they are not important or interesting.

IRISH HOME RULE LEAGUE.- A four-rayed star, with centre bearing a shamrock, over a circle with four shields of small size, having the arms of the provinces of Ireland ; inscription, in small letters, IRISH HOME RULE LEAGUE.

About 500 were struck in bronze for the Home Rule Procession in 1879. I have an impression.

MASONIC ORPHAN SCHOOLS, DUBLIN.- Inscribed on a raised border, resting on a star of two triangles, crossing ; in centre, Charity, as a female, is represented with three children, one of whom has an anchor, and another carries a cross. Made with ring for suspension.

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This star was made for the Masonic Schools for premiums. I have a bronze impression.

Badges or stars were also made for:-

Royal Academy of Music.
Dublin University Athletic Club.
Irish Champion Athletic Club.
Queen's Institute, Dublin founded A.D. 1861.
Morehampton House School, Dublin.
Miss Creighton's school, Dublin.

I also possess a long list of important official seals, engraved by Mr. J. Woodhouse for dignitaries of the Protestant and Catholic Churches in Ireland, for Public Boards, Institutions, and Corporate Bodies: in fact, with few exceptions, all such dies were made by him which were required for many years past in this kingdom.

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minute letters, I W. Around the arms, PATR DUN EQ AUR NOSOCOMII SCHOLÆ MEDICINÆ IN HIBERN FUNDR. Reverse.- A blank centre for inscription, with, AWARDED TO - FOR THE SESSION. Outside this, HAUGHTON CLINICAL MEDAL INSTITUTED A D 1868. Size, 2·0.

This medal, founded by the Rev. Dr. Haughton, is struck in silver, and awarded to the best students examined on medical and surgical cases treated during the year, and reported by themselves. Those who are familiar with the subject of medical education in Ireland are aware how much the Medical School of the University of Dublin is indebted to Professor Haughton for its present distinguished position, and its success in promoting the study of medicine and surgery on a scientific basis. My example of this medal is a white metal proof.

SIR PATRICK DUN'S HOSPITAL MATERNITY.- The medal is inscribed with these words, around the figure of a woman, who holds an infant, and at whose side is a young child; in the exergue are, J WOODHOUSE, in minute letters, and FOUNDED 1867. Reverse.- A blank centre for inscription, with AWARDED TO. Surrounding this, HAUGHTON MATERNITY MEDAL INSTITUTED A D 1869. Size, 2·0.

This maternity, besides its usefulness as a local charity, has trained a number of efficient nurses, many of whom became employed in regiments at home and abroad. Usually two silver and a few bronze medals are issued each year and given after examination. My specimen is in bronze.

CITY OF DUBLIN HOSPITAL MEDAL.- A shield bearing above the arms of the City of Dublin, and underneath the Good Samaritan with a wounded man, resting on a field semée with shamrocks, J W in small letters underneath. Inscription, CITY OF DUBLIN HOSPITAL . FOUNDED 1832. Reverse.- Blank, with olive wreaths. Size, 2·0.

This medal is issued as a premium; struck in silver. My specimen is in bronze.

CARMICHAEL MEDICAL SCHOOL.- Bust of Mr. Carmichael, draped, to left. Underneath on the bust, J WOODHOUSE A R H A, in small letters. Inscription, RICHARD CARMICHAEL. Reverse.- A blank centre for engraving, around which, CARMICHAEL SCHOOL OF MEDICINE FOUNDED 1828. Size, 1·6.

Richard Carmichael, born 1779, was accidentally drowned at Sutton in 1849. Having acquired a large fortune, he liberally endowed the Medical School in North Brunswick-street, of which he was one of the original founders, and also left bequests to be distributed by the Royal College of Surgeons, and to the Benevolent Medical Association of Ireland. In 1879, the school built by Mr. Carmichael's bequest in North Brunswick-street was closed, and a new school built in Aungier-street. The bust on this medal is copied from one in marble in the College of Surgeons, and from a former medal made in electrotype from an engraved seal. The medal is given to different classes in this school for prizes at examinations.

MATER MISERICORDIÆ HOSPITAL.- Inscribed with these words and DUBLIN around the centre, which bear the letters CLINICAL MEDAL. Reverse.- Blank, with olive wreaths. Size, 1·6.

Given as a prize medal by the late Dr. Hayden; struck in gold in 1881 I have a white metal proof.

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JERVIS-STREET HOSPITAL, FOUNDED 1718.- The medal bears this in inscription round a blank centre for engraving. Reverse.- A wounded man, leaning against a tree, is attended by a surgeon; behind, a horse is represented, and in the distance a person is seen hurrying away. It appears to be intended to represent the Good Samaritan. In exergue, MISERIS SUCCURRERE. The artist's initials, J W, are beneath the horse's fore-feet. Size, 1·6.

Made in 1885, as a prize medal. I have a white metal proof.

LEDWICH SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY.- This inscription appears round the centre, which has, PRESENTED | BY | THE LECTURER | ON | CHEMISTRY. Reverse.- Oak leaves and Royal Crown, within which, PRIZE MEDAL. Size, 2·6.

Struck in silver as a premium for pupils attending the classes on Chemistry and Materia Medica.

LEDWICH SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY.- A similar medal of smaller size. Reverse.- Two olive wreaths, with blank centre. Size, 1·6.

Struck, in 1882, for premiums, in gold and silver. I have a white metal proof impression.

LEDWICH SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY, DUBLIN.- inscribed around a blank centre. Reverse.- A bearded bust of Æsculapius; in front, a serpent twined around a rod, and behind, ÆSCULAPIUS; J W in small letters on the neck of bust. Size, 1·6.

Made in 1885, to be given for medical and surgical prizes. I have an impression in white metal.

LAW STUDENTS DEBATING SOCIETY.- THE O'HAGAN PRIZE FOR ORATORY, inscribed within an olive wreath, and outside, LAW STUDENTS DEBATING SOCIETY OF IRELAND. Reverse.- Elevation view of the King's Inns, Henrietta-street. In exergue, SOCIETY FOUNDED 1830. Size, 1·6.

This medal, struck in gold and silver, was given by the late Lord Chancellor O'Hagan. It is awarded each year for oratory. I have proofs in bronze and white metal.

LAW STUDENTS DEBATING SOCIETY (Law Medal of Chief Baron Palles).- Bust of Cicero to left, marked J W on neck; above, MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO. Reverse.- Blank centre for inscription, with olive wreath, around which is, LAW STUDENTS DEBATING SOCIETY OF IRELAND. Size, 1·6.

This medal, struck in gold, was awarded for Legal Debates, one in each year for 1877, 1878, and 1879. The bust is well executed.

LAW STUDENTS DEBATING SOCIETY (Armstrong Medal for Oratory).- A hand grasping a thunderbolt, VOLAT IRREVOCABILE VERBUM. Reverse.- Blank centre and olive wreath, outside which, LAW STUDENTS DEBATING SOCIETY. Size, 1·5.

This medal was presented by the late Serjeant Armstrong. Only one medal, in gold, was issued in the year 1876. My example is a white metal proof.

LAW STUDENTS DEBATING SOCIETY (Plunket Medal for Oratory).- Within a wreath of shamrocks is inscribed, PLUNKET | PRIZE | FOR |