John Adams-Acton (British, 1830-1910), a carved white marble bust of a gentleman

John Adams-Acton (British, 1830-1910), a carved white marble bust of a gentleman, probably a sailor, portrayed facing forwards, bearded and in period attire, the rectangular section plinth relief carved with a rope and anchor, signed and dated JOHN ADAMS ACTON FECT. ROME 1864 to the rear, 61cm high, 43cm wide
CATALOGUE NOTE: John Adams-Acton attended the Royal Academy Schools between 1853-58, and left for Rome shortly after.

Throughout his productive career he received commissions for memorials across the UK, including the Cruickshank Monument at St Pauls Cathedral (circa 1871) and the Wesley Memorial at Westminster Abbey (circa 1875), and beyond. He was for example commissioned to create statues of Queen Victoria for places as far afield as the Bahamas. The present bust is one of Adams-Actons more intimate works, and showcases the sculptors ability to imbue a naturalistically rendered sitter with a classical serenity and stateliness
Provenance: Purchased from J. & A. Clegg, Ludlow, 18th April 1995.