{"product_id":"bronze-bust-sculpture-of-rev-thomas-guthrie-frse-signed-sir-john-robert-steell-rsa","title":"Bronze Bust Sculpture of Rev Thomas Guthrie FRSE Signed Sir John Robert Steell RSA","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"flex flex-col text-sm pb-25\"\u003e\n\u003carticle data-turn=\"assistant\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-2\" data-turn-id=\"3d4adbdf-9110-402e-ba3f-115b091e9e66\" dir=\"auto\" class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-2-thinking\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-id=\"acd7df01-aef1-4caf-b012-ca1c52946713\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003ch1 data-end=\"191\" data-start=\"50\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"191\" data-start=\"50\"\u003eHistorical Scottish Victorian Bronze Bust of Rev. Thomas Guthrie FRSE (1803–1873) 🏛️ By Sir John Robert Steell RSA (1804–1891) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"196\" data-start=\"193\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"219\" data-start=\"198\"\u003eSubject \u0026amp; Medium\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"806\" data-start=\"220\"\u003eA highly impressive Scottish Victorian portrait bust of \u003cstrong data-end=\"304\" data-start=\"276\"\u003eRev. Thomas Guthrie FRSE\u003c\/strong\u003e, presented as a quarter-length, front-facing composition designed to project authority in a professional or formal interior. The work is \u003cstrong data-end=\"467\" data-start=\"442\"\u003efinely cast in bronze\u003c\/strong\u003eand mounted on a fitted base with \u003cstrong data-end=\"540\" data-start=\"502\"\u003eoriginal red velvet lining beneath\u003c\/strong\u003e, giving it the correct period finish and a strong presentation-quality appearance. ✨\u003cbr data-end=\"628\" data-start=\"625\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"639\" data-start=\"628\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Scotland 🏴\u003cbr data-end=\"654\" data-start=\"651\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"665\" data-start=\"654\"\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid-19th century, Victorian era (circa 1856) ⏳\u003cbr data-end=\"715\" data-start=\"712\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"726\" data-start=\"715\"\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e approx. \u003cstrong data-end=\"744\" data-start=\"735\"\u003e25 kg\u003c\/strong\u003e (estimate)—notably substantial and “anchored” in display ⚖️\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"811\" data-start=\"808\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"841\" data-start=\"813\"\u003eComposition \u0026amp; Technique\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1304\" data-start=\"842\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1729\" data-start=\"1306\"\u003eThe 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. 🎭\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"1734\" data-start=\"1731\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"1769\" data-start=\"1736\"\u003eDimensions in centimetres 📏\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1897\" data-start=\"1770\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1781\" data-start=\"1770\"\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 52.5 cm\u003cbr data-end=\"1792\" data-start=\"1789\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1810\" data-start=\"1792\"\u003eWidth of base:\u003c\/strong\u003e 25.5 cm\u003cbr data-end=\"1821\" data-start=\"1818\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1848\" data-start=\"1821\"\u003eLength \/ depth of base:\u003c\/strong\u003e 23 cm\u003cbr data-end=\"1857\" data-start=\"1854\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1889\" data-start=\"1857\"\u003eDepth (head, deepest point):\u003c\/strong\u003e 26 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"1902\" data-start=\"1899\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"1919\" data-start=\"1904\"\u003eThe Sitter\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2427\" data-start=\"1920\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1955\" data-start=\"1920\"\u003eThomas Guthrie FRSE (1803–1873)\u003c\/strong\u003e was born in \u003cstrong data-end=\"1986\" data-start=\"1968\"\u003eBrechin, Angus\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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 \u003cstrong data-end=\"2219\" data-start=\"2192\"\u003eRagged Schools movement\u003c\/strong\u003e 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. 📚\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"2432\" data-start=\"2429\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"2462\" data-start=\"2434\"\u003eHistorical Significance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2951\" data-start=\"2463\"\u003eThis 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 \u003cstrong data-end=\"2654\" data-start=\"2631\"\u003eRev. Thomas Guthrie\u003c\/strong\u003e by \u003cstrong data-end=\"2677\" data-start=\"2658\"\u003eSir John Steell\u003c\/strong\u003e is held in the \u003cstrong data-end=\"2727\" data-start=\"2693\"\u003eNational Galleries of Scotland\u003c\/strong\u003e (Accession \u003cstrong data-end=\"2749\" data-start=\"2739\"\u003ePG 805\u003c\/strong\u003e), 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3176\" data-start=\"2953\"\u003eAdditionally, the University of Glasgow’s \u003cstrong data-end=\"3047\" data-start=\"2995\"\u003eMapping the Practice and Profession of Sculpture\u003c\/strong\u003e database records \u003cstrong data-end=\"3094\" data-start=\"3065\"\u003e“The Rev. Thomas Guthrie”\u003c\/strong\u003e as a bronze bust by Steell and notes relevant historical exhibition references.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"3181\" data-start=\"3178\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"3200\" data-start=\"3183\"\u003eThe Sculptor\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3524\" data-start=\"3201\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3243\" data-start=\"3201\"\u003eSir John Robert Steell RSA (1804–1891)\u003c\/strong\u003e 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. 🗿\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"3529\" data-start=\"3526\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"3542\" data-start=\"3531\"\u003eSigned\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3762\" data-start=\"3543\"\u003eThe bust is \u003cstrong data-end=\"3603\" data-start=\"3555\"\u003edescribed as signed and dated to the reverse\u003c\/strong\u003e. ✍️\u003cbr data-end=\"3610\" data-start=\"3607\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3633\" data-start=\"3610\"\u003eBest practice note:\u003c\/strong\u003e at this level, a clear close-up of the inscription and any foundry\/impressed marks should form part of the supporting dossier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"3767\" data-start=\"3764\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"3784\" data-start=\"3769\"\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4007\" data-start=\"3785\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3818\" data-start=\"3785\"\u003ePrivate collection by descent\u003c\/strong\u003e, acquired via a notable \u003cstrong data-end=\"3897\" data-start=\"3843\"\u003esouthern-shire auction house (Dominic Winter sale)\u003c\/strong\u003e, subsequently curated by \u003cstrong data-end=\"3959\" data-start=\"3923\"\u003eCheshire Antiques Consultant LTD\u003c\/strong\u003e and retained within the company collection. ✅\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"4012\" data-start=\"4009\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"4028\" data-start=\"4014\"\u003eExhibited\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"4275\" data-start=\"4029\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4213\" data-start=\"4029\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4213\" data-start=\"4031\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"4064\" data-start=\"4031\"\u003eRoyal Academy of Arts, London\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem data-end=\"4098\" data-start=\"4066\"\u003eThe Exhibition of Scottish Art\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cstrong data-end=\"4108\" data-start=\"4100\"\u003e1939\u003c\/strong\u003e, catalogue reference \u003cstrong data-end=\"4150\" data-start=\"4130\"\u003ep. 101 (no. 226)\u003c\/strong\u003e (as cited and consistent with the Mapping Sculpture record).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4275\" data-start=\"4214\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4275\" data-start=\"4216\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"4236\" data-start=\"4216\"\u003eFamous Lord Hill Museum\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-end=\"4253\" data-start=\"4238\"\u003eAutumn 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e (owner records). 🍂\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"4280\" data-start=\"4277\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"4305\" data-start=\"4282\"\u003eWhy You’ll Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5033\" data-start=\"4306\"\u003e✅ \u003cstrong data-end=\"4331\" data-start=\"4308\"\u003eExecutive presence:\u003c\/strong\u003e immediately elevates an office, library, reception space, or serious private collection—commanding, formal, and unmistakably Victorian.\u003cbr data-end=\"4470\" data-start=\"4467\"\u003e✅ \u003cstrong data-end=\"4499\" data-start=\"4472\"\u003eMuseum-grade detailing:\u003c\/strong\u003e crisp facial modelling (notably the brow, forehead lines, and hair) reads as high quality at first glance and rewards close inspection.\u003cbr data-end=\"4638\" data-start=\"4635\"\u003e✅ \u003cstrong data-end=\"4666\" data-start=\"4640\"\u003ePatina with integrity:\u003c\/strong\u003e a mature tonal range with natural highlights—exactly what collectors look for in a period bronze.\u003cbr data-end=\"4767\" data-start=\"4764\"\u003e✅ \u003cstrong data-end=\"4797\" data-start=\"4769\"\u003eInstitutional resonance:\u003c\/strong\u003e supported by major collection and scholarly records, strengthening confidence for collectors and clients.\u003cbr data-end=\"4906\" data-start=\"4903\"\u003e✅ \u003cstrong data-end=\"4934\" data-start=\"4908\"\u003eA true display object:\u003c\/strong\u003e substantial scale and weight give it gravitas; it feels important rather than merely decorative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"5038\" data-start=\"5035\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"5061\" data-start=\"5040\"\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5480\" data-start=\"5062\"\u003eOffered in fine used condition. The bronze shows age-related wear including minor scratches, small surface marks, and handling evidence commensurate with age. The \u003cstrong data-end=\"5255\" data-start=\"5225\"\u003eoriginal red velvet lining\u003c\/strong\u003e 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. 🧾\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"cde53e37-bf08-4d06-961b-09bec3cdfbee\" dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-1-thinking\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"group\/thread-bottom-container relative isolate z-10 w-full basis-auto has-data-has-thread-error:pt-2 has-data-has-thread-error:[box-shadow:var(--sharp-edge-bottom-shadow)] md:border-transparent md:pt-0 dark:border-white\/20 md:dark:border-transparent content-fade single-line flex flex-col\" id=\"thread-bottom-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-token-text-secondary relative mt-auto flex min-h-8 w-full items-center justify-center p-2 text-center text-xs md:px-[60px]\"\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"5339\" data-start=\"5336\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"3622\" data-start=\"3609\"\u003eShipping\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3732\" data-start=\"3623\"\u003eWorldwide Shipping Available — Professionally packaged and fully insured for secure international delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3864\" data-start=\"3734\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3862\" data-start=\"3734\"\u003eAvailable exclusively through Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD — Inquire now to secure this unique piece.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"5557\" data-end=\"5560\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/article\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51881686335866,"sku":"CAC-SK-0297","price":8750.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0201\/2227\/1808\/files\/scottish-19th-century-bronze-sculpture-bust-of-thomas-guthrie-philanthropist-985705.jpg?v=1730632150","url":"https:\/\/cheshireantiquesconsultantltd.com\/ga-cn\/products\/bronze-bust-sculpture-of-rev-thomas-guthrie-frse-signed-sir-john-robert-steell-rsa","provider":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","version":"1.0","type":"link"}