Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

Scottish 19th Century Bronze Sculpture Bust of Thomas Guthrie Philanthropist

Dhs. 58,295.00

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This historic bronze sculpture bust of Thomas Guthrie FRSE is a stunning representation of Scottish philanthropy in the 19th century. Crafted by renowned sculptor Sir John Robert Steel RSA, this lifesize antique piece offers a glimpse into the past and the significant contributions of Guthrie to society.
Impress your clients & guests in your office or home with this incredible detailed sculpture of Thomas Guthrie
Subject known person Thomas Guthrie shown in front profile, quarter length view, having such a fabulous charming patina which you will love & cherish, the detail is of museum quality totally amazing so crisp, with the lines on his forehead and he has such thick long hair, masculine facial features. With a part of his clothing robe gown also visible. He is looking directly at the viewer.
A rather nice display size being 52.5 cm high and 26 cm in depth.
Signed & dated on the back by known sculptor Steell for Sir John Robert Steell RSA.
In our opinion this is an examplary example of his work.
Made from the finest cast bronze, underneath with original red velvet lining. Extremely heavy weighing around 25kg estimate.
Origin from Scotland.
Circa 1856 mid 19th century Victorian era.
Provenance from a high end southern Shire auction & now in collection of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
Highly desirable sought after by collectors.
Perfect to suit and home interior design theme.
Biography of Thomas Guthrie FRSE (12 July 1803 – 24 February 1873) was a Scottish divine and philanthropist, born at Brechin in Angus (at that time also called Forfarshire). He was one of the most popular preachers of his day in Scotland, and was associated with many forms of philanthropy—especially temperance and Ragged Schools, of which he was a founder. He was born on 12 July 1803 the son of David Guthrie, a banker, and later Provost of Brechin. Thomas grew to a height of six foot and three inches.
Guthrie studied at Edinburgh University for both surgery and anatomy (under Dr Robert Knox) but then concentrated on Theology. He was licensed to preach in the Church of Scotland from 1825, but having established a reputation as an evangelical he had difficulty securing a parish and instead spent two years studying medicine and science in Paris. Following his return from Paris and a period of varied employment, including as a bank manager, he was eventually offered the living of Arbirlot in Angus by the Hon William Maule in 1830. Guthrie served as Minister of Arbirlot for eight years, and while there where he adopted a dramatic style of preaching suited to his rural congregation. As well as his training for the Ministry, his medical knowledge and experience was called upon in particular during an outbreak of cholera in the parish.
He was made Moderator of the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland in 1862. He was succeeded in 1863 by Rev Roderick McLeod. Other roles included manager of Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, work for the Blind Asylum and work at the Night Refuge. Among his writings are The Gospel in Ezekiel (1855) and Plea for Ragged Schools (1847) and The City, its Sins and Sorrows (1857), "Christ and the Inheritance of the Saints" (1858), "The Way to Life", Speaking to the Heart", the "Life of Robert Flockhart", "Man and the Gospel" (1865), "The Angels Song" (1865), "The Parables" (1866), "Our Fathers Business" (1867), "Out of Harness" (1867), "Early Piety" (1869), "Studies of Character" (1868–70) and "Sundays Abroad" (1871).
Thomas Guthrie died at St Leonards-on-Sea in Sussex in 1873 and was buried in The Grange Cemetery, Edinburgh. His grave is in a commanding position, terminating the main central avenue at its southern end. His will left his copy of the National Covenant to the Free Church. His wife, Anne Burns (1810–1899), daughter of Rev James Burns of Brechin, is buried with him.
By the known Scottish listed sculptor Sir John Robert Steell RSA (Aberdeen 18 September 1804 – 15 September 1891) was a Scottish sculptor. His works have been exhibited in galleries around the world & auction houses like Christie's, the highest sold price is $31,289 US dollars. He modelled many of the leading figures of Scottish history and culture, and is best known for a number of sculptures displayed in Edinburgh, including the statue of Sir Walter Scott at the base of the Scott Monument.
Steell was born in Aberdeen, but his family moved to 5 Calton Hill in Edinburgh in 1806. He was one of the thirteen children (eleven surviving beyond infancy) of John Steell senior (1779–1849), a carver and gilder, and his wife, Margaret Gourlay, the daughter of William Gourlay, a Dundee shipbuilder. As the family grew they moved to a larger house at 20 Calton Hill. Due to his father's own fame as a sculptor, for much of his early working career he is referred to as John Steel Junior.
Steell initially followed his father, training to be a carver himself, being apprenticed in 1818. In 1819 his father was declared bankrupt by the Trades of Calton, bringing much shame on the family. However, John Junior showed artistic talent, and despite this, the family sent him to study art at the Trustees Academy in Edinburgh, under Andrew Wilson. He exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy and the Royal Academy, and was knighted in 1876 following the unveiling, by Queen Victoria, of his statue The Prince Consort, which stands in the centre of Charlotte Square in Edinburgh.
Steell died at home, 24 Greenhill Gardens in Edinburgh's southern suburbs, on 15 September 1891 and is buried in an unmarked grave in Edinburgh's Old Calton Cemetery. This grave was purchased by his father John Steell senior and many members of the Steell and Gourlay families are also interred there.
Condition report, offered in fine used condition. Having charming noticeable patina age wear, scratches, stains commensurate with usage & old age. The original velvet lining underneath has narrowed and was coming away & has been stapled back on, with inner wood supports just inside the base area.
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Dimensions in centimetres

High (52.5 cm)
Width of base (25.5 cm)
Length depth of base (23 cm)
Depth of head deepest point (26 cm)