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THE MEDALLISTS OF IRELAND AND THEIR WORK.
By WILLIAM FRAZER, F.R.C.S.I., M.R.I.A., Hon. F.S.A. (Scot.), Fellow.
Member of Council, Royal Irish Academy, &c.
Part 5.
ISAAC PARKES
THE late Dean Dawson, in his Paper on "The Medals and Medallists
connected with Ireland," which appeared in the "Transactions of
the Royal Irish Academy," on March 16th, 1836, mentions Mr. Parkes
in the following words: — "The last with whom I am acquainted is Isaac
Parkes, a native of Birmingham, who came to this country in 1807, and
served his apprenticeship to his brother, an eminent button manufacturer
in this city. We are justified in considering Parkes as our own ;
for here he served his time, here he received instructions in modelling
from Sherwin, the pupil of Smyth, whose chisellings and figures adorn so
many of our public buildings, and here whatever proficiency he has
attained to in the art has been elicited and nourished. If diligent
attention to business, access to a well-chosen collection of models, and
a considerable share of ingenuity and taste can secure public patronage,
Parkes well deserves it ; and his large medallion of the late Duke of
York is an evidence of his boldness and power in the art of die-sinking ;
for amongst all those of the middle ages I have scarcely seen one that
exceeds it in relief, and it has this superiority over them that whilst they
are invariably cast, this is raised out of the solid metal by the pressure of
the screw."
I can add nothing to this brief memoir. The praise bestowed on the
Duke of York's medal is well deserved. In relief and general effect it
forms an admirable piece of work. Some others of Isaac Parkes's
medals also demand special commendation, such as those representing
the Duke of Wellington and Benjamin Lee Guinness, LL.D. I had the
pleasure of knowing Mr. Parkes after his retirement from active life, and
received from him several proof impressions of his medals ; for others I
am indebted to the kindness of his son, who has found branches of trade
more remunerative and capable of far wider extension than the prosecution
of medallic art. In the year 1865 Mr. Parkes completed the
Guinness Medal and that for the Dublin International Exhibition, which
I believe were his latest works of importance. He was buried in Mount
Jerome Cemetery, Dublin, December 3rd, 1870, his age being stated as
78 years.
THE HOUSE OF HANOVER. — The busts of George I., II., and III. superposed,
in armour to left : inscribed, SECULO FESTAS REFERENTA LUCES ;
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underneath, I. PARKES. F. Reverse. — GEORGE I | ASCENDED THE THRONE 1 AUG
1714 | CROWNED 20 OCT 1714 | DIED AT OSNABURG 11 JUNE 1727 | BURIED
IN HANOVER.
GEORGE II | BORN 10 NOV 1683 | ASCENDED THE THRONE 11 JUNE 1727 |
CROWNED 11 OCT 1727 | DIED AT KENSINGTON 25 OCT 1760 | BURIED AT
WESTMINSTER.
GEORGE III | BORN 24 MAY OLD STYLE 1738 | ASCENDED THE THRONE 25
OCT 1760 | CROWNED 25 SEP 1761 | DIED AT WINDSOR 29 JAN 1820 | BURIED
AT WINDSOR 16 FEB 1820 |
In bronze, British Museum. I have an electrotype copy. Size, 2·2.
This medal was made in 1814 to commemorate the Centenary of the
House of Hanover on the Throne of England, and the additional portion
of inscription about the death of George III. added in 1820.
THE HOUSE OF HANOVER. — Obverse as above. Reverse. — A warrior in
Roman armour to right, holding a trident, and having his hand on the
head of a semi-couching lion ; in front Peace, with olive branch in left
hand held above her head, and in right hand an inverted torch consuming
flags and armour ; her right foot resting on a sword and quiver of
arrows ; behind is an inverted copia, pouring out flowers at the feet of
the lion. In the distance is the sea, and at right side is a ship, above
all a cloud. Inscription, NOVA SPES IMPERII. In the exergue, UBIQUE PAX.
MDCCCXV and I.P.S. This medal is rare ; Dr. Joly had one, copper gilt.
Size, 2·2.
DUKE OF WELLINGTON. — Head to left ; ARTHURUS DUX DE WELLINGTON
in large letters, and I PARKES F on neck. Reverse. — Hibernia seated, with
helmet ; holding a copia containing fruits. Shield with harp at side,
resting on cannon. Her right hand is extended towards an altar inscribed
with battles, VIMIERA. TALAVERA. BUSACO. CIU-RODRIGO. BADAJOS. SALAMANCA.
VITTORIA. TOULOUSE. Above the altar is a ducal crown, surrounded by
diverging rays. Inscription, EUROPÆ LIBERATOR BRIT. PRÆSIDIUM HIB. DECUS.
Under altar to left, in small letters, I. PARKES F. In exergue AD 1814 &
PACATO VICTORIIS TEREARUM ORBI.
My cabinet contains a fine lead proof, given me by Mr. Parkes, and
also a bronze impression. The head is in good relief, and both it and
the reverse well executed. Size, 2·2.
ART DUX DE WELLINGTON. — A copper cliché, silvered ; of the same head
as last medal, but inscribed with smaller lettering.
GEORGE IV.'S VISIT TO IRELAND. — Bust to left in high relief, with
wreaths of laurel on head. Inscription, GEORGIUS IIII. D : G : BRITANNIARUM
REX. F : D : and in smaller letters below neck I. PARKES F. Reverse. —
Hibernia is represented as a female leaning on a harp, with right hand
extended to welcome an approaching ship ; part of which is seen with
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