WEDGWOOD DEEP-BLUE SOLID TRICOLOR JASPERWARE OVAL PORTRAIT MEDALLION OF WILLIAM WILLET (1698-1778)

WEDGWOOD DEEP-BLUE SOLID TRICOLOR JASPERWARE OVAL PORTRAIT MEDALLION OF WILLIAM WILLET (1698-1778) circa 1925, impressed uppercase mark, O and BB416 mark, modeled by William Hackwood in 1776, reissued by Bert Bentley, titled on the reverse 'WILLETS', applied in white relief with a shoulder-length profile, to dexter, the Unitarian Minister in powdered wig, cravat and jacket, the integral frame applied in black, indented twice pierced slot on the reverse for suspension, h: 5 3/8 in.

Provenance: The Elizabeth C. Chellis Collection (labels).
Skinner, Boston, 11 July 2009, sale 2465, lot 98.
Jeffrey Milkins Collection, no. 546.

Catalogue Note:
A.H. (Bert) Bentley (1878-1937), was promoted to Chief Ornamentor in 1927. Bentley and Harry Bernard began a series of portraits in 1920, which Bernard catalogued in 1922.

William Willet was a Unitarian Reverend, natural philosopher and amateur scientist, married to Josiah's sister, Catherine Wedgwood. He played a significant role directing Josiah to pursue scientific studies. The original medallion was produced for private circulation only, for more details see, Robin Reilly and George Savage, 'Wedgwood: The Portrait Medallions', p. 337.