Description
🌟 Rare Victorian Collectible: Charles H. Spurgeon Bust – A Masterpiece in Parian Ware from 1878 🌟
This is a truly magnificent and historically significant piece: an authentic, 12-inch tall Charles H. Spurgeon Bust, dating back to the height of the “Prince of Preachers'” fame. More than just a portrait, this is a tangible link to 19th-century religious and ceramic history, featuring an impressive array of original maker and copyright inscriptions.
Historical Significance & Provenance
This bust is a testament to the popularity of Charles H. Spurgeon (1834–1892), one of the most celebrated and widely-read Baptist preachers of the Victorian era. The exceptional detail and clarity of the inscriptions confirm its origin and vintage:
- Sculptor & Date: “Copyright John Adams Acton FECIT 1878”
- The term ‘Fecit’ (Latin for “made it”) proudly attributes the original model to the renowned British sculptor John Adams-Acton (1830-1910). Adams-Acton was a highly respected artist known for his portrait busts of eminent figures like Prime Minister William E. Gladstone and monuments in Westminster Abbey. His involvement elevates this piece beyond mere commercial pottery to the realm of fine art portraiture. The 1878 date places the creation squarely within Spurgeon’s most influential years.
- Manufacturer: “Manufactured By Robinson & LeadBeater Stoke-on-Trent”
- Robinson & Leadbeater (operating 1865–c.1924) were one of the largest and most prominent producers of Parian porcelain in the Staffordshire Potteries. Parian, an unglazed porcelain developed in the 1840s, was specifically created to imitate fine marble sculpture at a more accessible price, making the busts of great men like Spurgeon available to a wider, admiring public.
- Publisher: “Published By The Rev George Dunnet”
- This inscription indicates a specific connection to Rev. George Dunnet, who commissioned or acted as a distributor for this particular production run, adding a unique layer to the bust’s documented history.
Features & Condition
- Subject: Charles H. Spurgeon, the ‘Prince of Preachers.’
- Material: Likely Parian Ware (unglazed porcelain), the highly fashionable medium of the Victorian era for reproducing classical and contemporary statuary.
- Height: A substantial 12 inches (1 foot), an imposing size for a Parian bust of this period.
- Inscriptions: All original impressed marks are present and legible, detailing the full history of the work: Published By The Rev George Dunnet, Manufactured By Robinson & LeadBeater Stoke-on-Trent, Copyright John Adams Acton FECIT 1878.
- Condition: A wonderfully preserved antique, displaying its history honestly.
- Noted Flaws: Two small chips on corners-as shown in photos. These minor nicks are common for an item of this age and size, and do not detract from the overall integrity or detail of the piece.
- Structural Integrity: Otherwise no cracks or repairs. The bust is structurally sound, with the main body and fine sculptural details intact.
- Needs a careful and good cleaning.
The Collector’s Appeal
This bust is a perfect acquisition for:
- Collectors of Parian Ware: A superb documented example from a major 19th-century manufacturer, Robinson & Leadbeater.
- Collectors of Religious Memorabilia/Spurgeoniana: A rare, high-quality, and contemporaneous portrait of one of Christianity’s most enduring figures.
- Enthusiasts of Victorian History and Sculpture: A fascinating cross-section of art, religion, and industrial ceramics from the 1870s.
A true centerpiece for a study, library, or collection, this Charles H. Spurgeon bust is an enduring piece of history, skillfully rendered by a celebrated sculptor and produced by a renowned pottery firm.
