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[Reprinted from the "JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HISTORICAL AND
ARCHÆOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND" for January and April, 1888.]
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 page 208.]
No. IV.
MEDALS COMMEMORATIVE OF DEAN SWIFT.- It appears desirable to collect
together all the medallic records of Jonathan Swift, Dean of St. Patrick's ;
they are far from numerous, but possess that special interest which
invests every subject connected with his life and literary history,
especially to natives of Ireland.
REV. J. SWIFT, D.S.P.D.- Bust, with three-quarters face turned to left,
in wig and canonicals; contained within a small oval frame, supported by
a winged child on clouds. Minerva underneath seated to the left, having
behind her a Gorgon shield, and at her side a shield with Irish harp, to
which she points; to the right is a female with her arm resting on a pile
of books, who crowns the Dean with a wreath, Above is a winged figure
of Fame, with crescent on the forehead. Inscription on a scroll under the
bust. Reverse.- Hibernia, seated, to left with harp and olive-branch ; in
the background a shepherd and his flock, and view of the sea, with ships.
In exergue, MDCCXXXVIII - I.R. FECIT.
Size, 1·5. This is a rudely-executed medal, cast in silver; the obverse
is copicd from an engraving by P. Simms, on the title-page of a volume
of Swift's works, published in 1734. It is stated in the British Museum
Catalogue to be "very rare." I have a good specimen.
IONAT SWIFT, S.T.P. ET. D.S.P. IN Hib.- A three-quarter faced bust of
Swift, to waist, in full wig, and with canonicals; head towards the right;
executed in high relief; beneath the bust are the words NON PAREIL.
Reverse.- Blank, with the letters I.P.F.
An oval portrait, measuring 3·05 by 2·4. Cast in iron, with polished
letters. The portrait is a close copy of Virtue's engraving, from which it
is taken, being the frontispiece to Swift's works, published by Faulkner,
in 1735. It is stated by the writer, in the "Medallic Illustrations of
British History," to have been made by "Isaac Parkes," a well-known
die-sinker and medallist in this city; but I do not feel disposed to accept
the statement. The original, and I believe, unique specimen, in the British
Museum was purchased at a sale of the late Dr. R. R. Madden's, and,
owing to the kindness of the Museum authorities, I obtained an excellent
replica. Dr. Aquilla Smith possesses an impression - a round, not oval -
made in gutta-percha, which he took from the original iron mould or die
that was in the possession of Sir William Wilde, who purchased it in
Dublin, and which was broken by him in his endeavouring to obtain
impressions. The fragments were, I understand, thrown away or lost.
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I consider this die was made about the time of the last-described medal,
and the unique iron casting made from it for some special object-possibly
for the lid of a box.
See Madden's "Sale Catalogue," 1865, where he describes it as
"unique and valuable," and conjectures it was made in France.
DEAN SWIFT.- A medal intended by William S. Mossop to form one
of his projected series of illustrious Irishmen, which he never completed.
The die of this medal was left unhardened, and without inscription. I
have already described it.
DEAN SWIFT.- A little medallet, with portrait of the Dean, who is
represented late in life, attired with full wig, bands, and robes to
waist. He is full-faced, and looks to the left. Inscribed, J.S.D.D. -
S.P.D. Reverse.- Blank.
Size, ·6. Struck in silver. This exceptionally rare medal is, I
believe, the work of one of the Mossops. The die is lost. I have a
good specimen.
DEAN SWIFT.- In a framed collection of impressions of seals in wax,
belonging to the Mossops, was discovered the original portrait from
which the last-described medallet was copied. It was extremely well
cut, and appears to have been a striking likeness. I got it reproduced
in silver by electrotyping, and wish to record it to prevent mistakes
hereafter. The costume differs somewhat, and is more in detail. Oval.
Size, 1·1 by ·9.
THE LOUTH ELECTION, 1ST Nov., 1755.- A rock rises from the sea, on
which Hibernia stands, holding a harp; the four winds blow on the surface
of the rock. Inscription, FIRM TO OUR COUNTRY AS THE ROCK IN THE
SEA. Reverse.- BY OUR | STRICT | UNION IN LOUTH | WE DISAPPOINTED THE
| HOPES OF OUR ENEMIES | ON THE 1 OF NOVEM | 1755 IN THE 29 YEAR | OF
THE REIGN OF | K GEO THE II | WHOM GOD LONG | PRESERVE | . Above is a
heart, with two hands united together, and around the inscription, MAY
THE LOVERS OF LIBERTY NEVER LOSE IT.
Size, 1·75. Struck in silver; and some years since one in lead appeared
for sale in a catalogue. It is not a common medal, and was made for the
Louth Independent Club, which succeeded in returning Thomas Tipping
and Hon. W. Fortescue as members of Parliament, in opposition to Mr.
Bellingham. It resembles the work of Thomas Ping, who probably
struck it.
COUNTY WESTMEATH ELECTION, 25TH JULY, 1768.- Liberty, embracing
a pillar with her right arm, and supporting herself by it; her left resting
on a shield; casque and other emblems lying at her feet: VINCIT AMOR
PATRIAE ANNO 1768. Reverse.- A hand presenting a civic crown - PRESENTED
TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE A MALONE BY THE FREE AND INDEPENDENT
ELECTORS OF THE COUNTY OF WESTMEATH IN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF HIS
STRENUOUS & SUCCESSFUL SUPPORT OF THEIR INTERESTS ON THE 25 OF JULY,
1768.
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letters, MILLS. F. Reverse.- Inscribed, ALUMNO | SCHOLÆ LISMORIENSIS |
OB LITERAS | FELICITER EXCULTAS | GULIELMUS DUX DEVONIÆ | D.D. Around
this is a plain ring, and outside, in upper part, SUNT HIC ETIAM SUA
PRÆMIA LAUDI.
Size, 2·25. I have an electrotype of this medal, copied from one
struck in copper. A specimen was sold, April, 1878, with the duplicate
medals of the Bank of England.
THE WYONS.
This distinguished family of die-sinkers have contributed some
valuable dies to the series of Irish medals, a record of which is indispensable
in describing the history of these productions.
THOMAS WYON, junior, was born in 1792, at Birmingham, his family
being of German descent. He was educated in London and apprenticed
to his father, who was engraver of his Majesty's seals; and, under the
training of Mr. N. Marchand, he acquired a correct taste for the antique.
He obtained the medals of the Royal Academy, and premiums from the
Society of Arts, for whom he engraved the head of Isis, which was
utilised for their prize medal. At the early age of 16 years he made his
first medallic die, for a medal given to Lieutenant Pearson, R. N., for
saving life, presented by a society of ladies. In 1811 he was appointed
probationary engraver, and in 1815, chief engraver to the Mint. He
died September 22, 1817, aged 25 years. A memoir and list of his
principal works is contained in the Gentleman's Magazine for February,
1818, and another account published in Mr Sainthill's Olla-podrida.
CORK BRUNSWICK CENTENARY MEDAL.- A finely-modelled head of
George III. to right, laureated; THE ILLUTS HOUSE OF BRUNSWICK ASCD THE
THRONE OF GT BRITAIN AUGT 1T 1714 ; and underneath the neck of bust, in
minute letters, T WYON JUN. S. Reverse Inscribed THE | CENTENARY | OF
THE ACCN OF THE | HOUSE OF BRUNSWICK | TO THE THRONE OF | GREAT
BRITAIN | WAS CELEBRATED IN THE | CITY OF CORK | ON THE 1T 2D & 3D OF
AUGT 1814 | IN THE 54H YR OF THE REIGN | OF KING GEORGE THE 3D | SR
DAVID PERRIER | MAYOR. The entire surrounded by a broad wreath of
shamrocks.
Size, 2·0. Struck in bronze. Mr. Sainthill gives the following
account of this medal :- "The Corporation of Cork having determined to
celebrate the anniversary of the Centenary of the Accession of the House
of Brunswick to the Throne by three days' public rejoicing, I suggested
to Sir D. Perrier to have a medal struck to record the event and to wear
on the occasion. Sir David immediately acceded to the plan, and
authorized me to invite Mr. Wyon to engrave one with his Majesty's
bust from Marchand's" (see Mr. Sainthill's Olla-podrida, vol. I., p.29,
where there is an engraving of the obverse of the medal). I have all
impression with the blue ribbon and rosette used when worn, still
remaining attached.
BENJAMIN WYON, born in London, in 1802 ; a younger brother of
Thomas Wyon, under whom he studied. He succeeded his father as
engraver of the Royal seals, and engraved the Great Seal of William
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the Fourth, the Crimean medal, and several other important works. He died
November, 1858.
VISIT OF GEORGE THE FOURTH TO IRELAND.- Head of George IV. to
left; in minute letters on the neck, P WYON. Inscription, GEORGIUS IIII
D G BRITANNIARUM REX F D. Reverse.- George is represented landing in
full court dress, with cocked hat in hand, greeted by a female with harp
and wolf-dog; behind her are some distant buildings to represent Dublin;
and the boat from which the king steps bears a Royal standard. In
the exergue, IN COMMEMORATION OF HIS MAJESTYS | MOST GRACIOUS VISIT TO
IRELAND | 1821 | W HAMY DIREX. This medal is marked, MILLS F, at
side.
Size, 2·1. This medal was got up by the firm of Hamy and Mann,
silversmiths in Dublin. Wyon's work - the head of George IV. - is well
designed and executed. The reverse of the medal was made by George
Mills, who executed many celebrated medals, such as those of Sir John
Moore, Watt, Chantry, &c. The reverse, like all Mills' work, is well
done, but the design was probably the idea of some amateur; at all
events, the fat and smiling Adonis, in full court dress, who pays his
addresses to the young and rather demonstrative lady, is vulgar and
quite unworthy of commemorating a Royal visit.
I have a bronze impression, the edge of which is inscribed, IRISH
COPPER FROM THE MINES IN THE COUNTY OF WICKLOW, in small letters; and
also a white metal one without this inscription.
WICKLOW AGRICULTURAL MEDAL.- Thus inscribed in exergue. A sheep
on a grassy hill, with, in front, a plough; WYON, in small letters, to left
Reverse.- Blank centre, with olive wreaths.
Size, 1·7. There is a bronze proof in the Museum of the Royal Irish
Academy, and also another copy of the medal without the name of Wyon.
LEONARD CHARLES WYON, born in 1826 ; he studied his art under the
tuition of his father, William Wyon, R.A., whom he succeeded as modeller
and engraver to the Mint in 1851. He has executed most of the military
and naval medals struck since his appointment, and also several series of
colonial and foreign coinages.
RICHARD SAINTHILL, OF TOPSHAM, DEVONSHIRE, NUMISMATIST, BORN
JAN. 28, 1787. Thus inscribed around a portrait of Mr. Sainthill; beneath
the neck is the date 1835, and, in minute letters, L C WYON FT.
Reverse.- Three emblematic figures; Numismata, typified by a female,
standing, who draws back a curtain and reveals an aged man, the emblem
of time past, seated on a treasure box, marked with inscribed square and
Greek letters; in front, a young female, emblematic of present time, joins
hands with the central figure. In exergue, NUMISMATA, and in small
letters, L C W. Inscription, HERALDING THE PRESENT. RESTORING THE PAST.
Size, 2·4. This is an extremely beautiful example of what a good
medal should be. The figures, which are in low relief, are engraved in
superior style, and the portrait of Mr. Sainthill leaves nothing to be
desired. I owe my impression to the kindness of Alderman Day, of Cork,
who obtained it from Mr. Sainthill's relatives. It was struck for private
distribution by the well known author of Olla-podrida, a learned
numismatist and genealogist. The impression is a bronze proof.
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Size, 1·55. There is a silver impression in the Royal Irish Academy. I
have a bronze proof, and have seen one in white metal, in the possession
of Mr. Robertson of Kilkenny. The artist, J. G. Hancock, executed
several good medals, and excelled in engraving portrait dies towards the
end of the eighteenth century.
UNION BETWEEN GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND (3rd Medal).- Time,
standing on a section of the globe, drops its hour-glass, and receives
another from a hand in the clouds. Marked, in small letters, HANCOCK.
Reverse.- The shamrock, rose, and thistle, with inscription, MAY THIS AND
EVERY FUTURE AGE WITNESS THE PROSPERITY OF THE UNITED KINGDOMS; and
in exergue, JANUARY 1ST 1801.
Size, 1·65. Struck in white metal. Royal Irish Academy.
DEFEAT OF THE FRENCH FLEET, OCTOBER, 1798.- Bust, in naval uniform,
to right, SIR J B WARREN BART K B REAR ADMIRAL OF THE BLUE; on the arm,
in small letters, HANCOCK. Reverse.- Hibernia, turned to the left, is seated,
playing on a harp, and holding with one hand an olive branch ; shield
at her side with cannon, balls, &c. ; British ship and two smaller vessels
at a distance. Above, on a raised rim is inscribed, ATTACKED AND DEFEATED
THE FRENCH SQUADRON ON THE COAST OF IRELAND. In exergue, OCTR 12TH
1798.
Size, 2·5. Struck in bronze ; in Royal Irish Academy. The admiral
was no relation to Sir J. Borlase Warren, of Co. Cork, who was born about
the date of this battle, and baptized after the name of his distinguished
namesake. Another medal, which is "anonymous," was struck in commemoration
of the same victory, and may be appropriately considered
here.
DEFEAT OF THE FRENCH FLEET (No. 2).- Three-quarter bust, in naval
costume, to left. SR J B WARREN BARONET. K B.; and in small letters, below
the bust, THE LORD OF HOSTS IS WITH US. Reverse.- Two war ships engaged.
Inscription, THE SISTER COUNTRY AGAIN RESCUED FROM INVASION.
In exergue, BREST. SQUADRON DEFEATD | OFF TORY ISLAND | OCTOBER 12.
1798.
Size, 1·65. Struck in bronze, of which I have an impression. Sir
J. B. Warren captured the "La Hogue" and four large French frigates.
He was Ambassador to St. Petersburg in 1802, and died in 1822.
There are a few medals respecting which I have obtained imperfect
information, and would place them on record in the hope of hereafter
acquiring further knowledge respecting their history.
RICHARD KIRWAN, LL.D., F.R.S.- In the year 1792 a medal, struck
in Irish gold, was presented to him by the Dublin Society, in recognition
of his exertions in procuring for that Society the Leskean collections of
minerals and other objects of natural history for which purpose a vote
of £1200 was granted by the Irish Parliament, and to obtain their
possession he went to Germany, and afterwards arranged the minerals.
He had previously obtained the Copley Medal of the Royal Society for
his chemical researches, and was elected president of the Royal Irish
Academy in October, 1797, which he continued to hold until his death,
in 1812. His portrait is preserved in the council-room of the Academy ;
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and an excellent memoir, published by Michael Donovan, M.R.I.A.,
contained in the Appendix to the 4th volume of their Proceedings. I
have not succeeded in obtaining further information about this medal.
AUNGIER-STREET THEATRE, DUBLIN.- On May 8th, 1733, this theatre
was commenced, four foundation stones being laid by the Right Hon.
Richard Tighe, Hon. General Napier, William Tighe, Esq., and Hon. Sir
Edward Lovett Pearce, Surveyor-General of the King's Works in Ireland.
Each stone was laid to the sound of trumpets, bands of music, &c. ; and
under each of them were placed "medals," struck for the occasion by the
managers of the old Theatre Royal. Wine and ale were freely distributed,
presents made to the workmen, and all the proceedings wound
up by a dinner. See the Irish Builder of April 1, 1879.
I am not aware of any record of these medals except the notice above
given.
SLIGO SOUP TICKET.- Struck in brass, with blank reverse. Size, ·9.
This little medallet was probably made in the year 1798, when soup
shops were opened under Government to relieve the prevalent distress of
the poor; but there is no certain knowledge of its history to record.
THE RT. HONBLE. JOHN FOSTER.- Three-quarter bust, in full robes
and wig, as Speaker of the Irish House of Commons; turned towards
right. On the sleeve, in minute letters, D B HILL F. Reverse, inscribed
SPEAKER | OF THE | IRISH HOUSE | OF | COMMONS | 1799.
Size, 1·6. This is a pewter medal, of rather rude workmanship. The
specimen which I have is the only one that has fallen under my notice,
and it appears, therefore, to be of rare occurrence. The name of its
fabricator is not contained in the city directories of the time, and I know
nothing of him.
JAMES BRUSH.
JAMES BRUSH is designated in Watson's Dublin Directory for 1797 as a
jeweller and Madeira wine merchant, residing at 7, Andrew-street. We
have an advertisement of his appearing in the Dublin Chronical newspaper
on January 6th, 1789, which states:- "In the seal line, he
presumes to say that no person in this city can equal him for neatness
and durability of the settings. He has engaged an eminent seal-engraver
from London, specimens of whose work are ready for inspection; among
them is a striking likeness of Mr. Grattan." Engraved portraits of the
popular patriot were in demand; and from a ring in my possession, with
the likeness engraved on bloodstone, Mr. Brush's assertion of the high
quality of his work appears to be fully sustained. He was treasurer to
the Masonic Female Orphan School (founded in the year 1797, by Lodges
190 and 15) in 1800, at which time it was located in Cullenswood, and
he then handed it over to the charge of Grand Lodge. His connexion
with Irish medallic history depends on the two following medals that
bear his name. They are stigmatized by Dean Dawson, in his Paper
on Irish Medals and Medallists, as "miserable in point of design and
workmanship;" but the expression is rather strong, and they possess
interest regarded as historic records.
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