Lot 832

Description

Australian International Exhibitions, Sydney 1879-80, Melbourne 1880-81, in bronze, by J.S. & A.B.Wyon, obverse, head of Prince of Wales right, reverse, wreath, inside inscribed, 'Sir Philip/Cunliffe-Owen/K.C.M.G., C.B., C.I.E./For/Services'. Light rub marks on high points of obverse, some small dig marks around engraved area on reverse, otherwise uncirculated and scarce.

Awarded to Sir Philip Cuncliffe-Owen for Services. Sir Francis Philip Cuncliffe-Owen, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., C.I.E. (1828-1894), Director of the South Kensington Museum. Appointed superintendent of the British Section at the Paris Universal Exposition in 1855 and director of the foreign section of the 1862 International Exhibition held in London. Helped Sir Henry Cole as assistant executive commissioner at the Paris Universal Exposition of 1867 and, as Secretary of the Royal Commission; represented Britain at the Vienna Universal Exposition in 1873, and had a high-profile role at the Sydney and Melbourne Exhibitions of 1879 and 1880-81. On his retirement in 1893 as Director, the South Kensington Museum was split into the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Science Museum.