An impressive Adams Parian bust of Lord Derby

An impressive Adams Parian bust of Lord Derby from EF Wyon, dated 1857.

Edward Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby (1799 – 1869), served three short terms as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, always without a parliamentary majority. Derby succeeded to the Earldom in 1851 and was previously known as Lord Stanley. He began his political life as a Whig, following the tradition of this family, but started leaning towards the Tory party, joining the new Conservatives in 1841. Before becoming PM for the first time in 1852, Derby served as Chief Secretary for Ireland and Secretary of State for War and the Colonies, when he oversaw the passage of the Abolition of Slavery Bill. Significant achievements by Derby’s governments were An Act for the Better Governance of India 1858, the Reform Act 1867, and a Factory Act in 1866.

This bust is illustrated in The Parian Phenomenon page 237 fig 779, where it is dated 1867. The bust is joined to the socle with a nut and bolt. The bust is marked “Published by John Stark, Etruria” as well as the sculptor and manufacturer marks. 

Height 32cm (12½“)

Condition: Very good. There is a shallow chip underneath the lip of the socle and a few small black kiln soot marks on the left shoulder.