FDA-Sc.31-2017
Parts
Object number
FDA-Sc.31-2017
Object type
Identification
Title
Thomas Denman, 1st Baron Denman
Description
Sculpted bust of a man, with short hair, clean shaven, in classical drapery
Comments
'The family of Lord Denman have... signified their intention of presenting a bust of his Lordship for [Upper School].'
[Reading Mercury, Saturday 31 July 1852]
'Thomas Campbell (1790-1858) is the artist responsible for [the] Lord Denman and Earl Grey [busts]... Campbell possessed, according to contemporary opinion, “the peculiar felicity of seizing the individual likeness of his sitters and giving them a sentiment and expression highly characteristic.” So we know what Denman and Grey really looked like. The former is a magnificent head — all extrovert intelligence, incidentally it is the only one seriously damaged by the bomb which destroyed the room next door in 1940.'
['Eton Busts' by Oliver Van Oss, Etoniana, No.123, November 29, 1969, p.354-355]
[Reading Mercury, Saturday 31 July 1852]
'Thomas Campbell (1790-1858) is the artist responsible for [the] Lord Denman and Earl Grey [busts]... Campbell possessed, according to contemporary opinion, “the peculiar felicity of seizing the individual likeness of his sitters and giving them a sentiment and expression highly characteristic.” So we know what Denman and Grey really looked like. The former is a magnificent head — all extrovert intelligence, incidentally it is the only one seriously damaged by the bomb which destroyed the room next door in 1940.'
['Eton Busts' by Oliver Van Oss, Etoniana, No.123, November 29, 1969, p.354-355]
Other number
FDA-A.131-2010
Description
Content (person)
Dimension note
31in. high
Inscription
Lettered on the wall sconce that supports the bust: 'DENMAN'
Material
marble
Production
Person
Campbell, Thomas, 1791 - 1858 (Sculptor)
Date
1853
History and association
Object history note
Provenance: Presented to Eton College by the family of the sitter in 1853
References
• Gunnis, R., Dictionary of British Scultpors 1660-1851 (p.77)
