Historical Scottish Victorian Bronze Bust of Rev. Thomas Guthrie FRSE (1803–1873) 🏛️ By Sir John Robert Steell RSA (1804–1891) 

Subject & Medium

A highly impressive Scottish Victorian portrait bust of Rev. Thomas Guthrie FRSE, presented as a quarter-length, front-facing composition designed to project authority in a professional or formal interior. The work is finely cast in bronzeand mounted on a fitted base with original red velvet lining beneath, giving it the correct period finish and a strong presentation-quality appearance. ✨
Origin: Scotland 🏴
Period: Mid-19th century, Victorian era (circa 1856) ⏳
Weight: approx. 25 kg (estimate)—notably substantial and “anchored” in display ⚖️

Composition & Technique

The sculptural language is direct and confident: Guthrie is shown looking straight at the viewer, his expression sober and intent. The modelling is crisp, with an architectural build to the face—prominent brow, clearly defined orbital structure, and a disciplined mouth and jawline that read cleanly even at distance. Forehead lines and hair texture are particularly well handled, with thick locks described in a way that catches highlights and enhances depth.

The drapery is treated with restraint, forming a weighty, robe-like fall that supports the portrait without theatricality—exactly what one expects in a serious Victorian commemorative likeness. The surface carries a rich, mature patina, with natural brightening on high points (forehead, nose, cheekbones, and collar contours) and deeper tones in recesses, producing a convincing “museum” presence under ambient light. 🎭

Dimensions in centimetres 📏

Height: 52.5 cm
Width of base: 25.5 cm
Length / depth of base: 23 cm
Depth (head, deepest point): 26 cm

The Sitter

Thomas Guthrie FRSE (1803–1873) was born in Brechin, Angus, and became one of Scotland’s most recognised preachers of his time. His influence extended well beyond the pulpit: he is especially associated with philanthropic and social reform activity, including the Ragged Schools movement and broader civic welfare initiatives. Portrait sculpture of Guthrie belongs to a Victorian culture of honouring public virtue—objects intended to communicate character, leadership, and moral authority. 📚

Historical Significance

This is not presented as a casual “named bust” association. The portrait type is supported by recognised institutional and scholarly reference points. A bronze bust of Rev. Thomas Guthrie by Sir John Steell is held in the National Galleries of Scotland (Accession PG 805), recorded as “Given by Lord Guthrie 1912.” That level of institutional documentation materially strengthens confidence in the historical standing of the subject and the established sculptural model.

Additionally, the University of Glasgow’s Mapping the Practice and Profession of Sculpture database records “The Rev. Thomas Guthrie” as a bronze bust by Steell and notes relevant historical exhibition references.

The Sculptor

Sir John Robert Steell RSA (1804–1891) is a major figure in Scottish 19th-century sculpture, closely associated with civic portraiture and public monuments. The presence of Guthrie’s bust in national and scholarly records under Steell’s name reinforces the importance of this portrait type within his wider output. 🗿

Signed

The bust is described as signed and dated to the reverse. ✍️
Best practice note: at this level, a clear close-up of the inscription and any foundry/impressed marks should form part of the supporting dossier.

Provenance

Private collection by descent, acquired via a notable southern-shire auction house (Dominic Winter sale), subsequently curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD and retained within the company collection. ✅

Exhibited

• Royal Academy of Arts, London, The Exhibition of Scottish Art, 1939, catalogue reference p. 101 (no. 226) (as cited and consistent with the Mapping Sculpture record).

• Famous Lord Hill Museum, Autumn 2025 (owner records). 🍂

Why You’ll Love It

✅ Executive presence: immediately elevates an office, library, reception space, or serious private collection—commanding, formal, and unmistakably Victorian.
✅ Museum-grade detailing: crisp facial modelling (notably the brow, forehead lines, and hair) reads as high quality at first glance and rewards close inspection.
✅ Patina with integrity: a mature tonal range with natural highlights—exactly what collectors look for in a period bronze.
✅ Institutional resonance: supported by major collection and scholarly records, strengthening confidence for collectors and clients.
✅ A true display object: substantial scale and weight give it gravitas; it feels important rather than merely decorative.

Condition Report

Offered in fine used condition. The bronze shows age-related wear including minor scratches, small surface marks, and handling evidence commensurate with age. The original red velvet lining beneath the base is present; it is noted as having loosened historically and having been stabilised/reattached. Overall, the bust presents extremely well, with patina and surface character adding to the period presence. 🧾