1846, Great Britain. SIR FRANCIS CHANTREY (1781-1941), sculptor. By William Wyon. Bronze 53mm. Obv: Bare head of Francis Chantrey facing right. Rev: Chantrey’s memorial to James Watt (in Handworth Church, Birmingham). Edge: Plain (some have an inscription). From the Art Union of London series. BHM 2227, Eimer 1381, Bealah 1. $175 Sorry, SOLD (April, 2023) ———–
This was intended to be the first medal issued by the Art Union of London, however progress on the medal was slow and William Wyon could only offer a plaster model to display to medal winners in 1843. Five dies cracked in the hardening process before a good one was obtained in 1846. The silver medals were presented to the recipients of 1843 in 1847.