Lord Lyndhurst

This striking bust depicts Lord Lyndhurst, a prominent British lawyer and politician of the 19th century, rendered in unglazed porcelain (Parian ware). Produced by Samuel Alcock & Company in 1824, this piece showcases the company's skill in creating detailed sculptural forms. While Samuel Alcock & Company is well-known for its porcelain designs, particularly for decorative cups, tureens, and other tableware as seen in the Met Museum's collection of their designs from the mid-19th century, this bust demonstrates their broader capabilities in producing fine art objects. The choice of Parian ware, a type of bisque porcelain developed to imitate marble, was popular for busts and small sculptures during this period, offering a classical aesthetic at a more accessible price point than traditional marble. This work captures the solemn dignity expected of a figure of Lyndhurst's stature, reflecting the era's taste for portraiture that conveyed both individual likeness and social standing.