Award Medals of the 1862 International Exposition – London, England

Overview:

This page is dedicated to exploring the award medals presented at the 1862 International Exposition held in London. These medals, which were awarded to recognize outstanding achievements in various fields, are celebrated for their intricate designs and historical significance. We will delve into the different types of medals awarded, their design elements, and the notable recipients who contributed to the success of the exposition.

Historical Context:

The 1862 International Exposition, officially known as the International Exhibition of 1862, was a world’s fair held in South Kensington, London. It followed the success of the Great Exhibition of 1851 and aimed to showcase the latest advancements in art, industry, and technology from around the globe. The exposition featured over 28,000 exhibitors from 36 countries and attracted more than six million visitors. Highlights of the event included displays of innovative machinery, fine arts, and cultural artifacts, all housed within a massive temporary structure known as the Exhibition Building. The fair was a celebration of progress and international cooperation, setting the stage for future world expositions.

Description of the Obverse Side of the Bronze Award Medal from the 1862 International Exposition – London, England

Design Elements:

1. Central Figure:

• The central figure is an allegorical representation of Britannia, seated prominently and regally. She is adorned with a classical helmet and attire, embodying the spirit of Britain.

1. Surrounding Figures:

• Surrounding Britannia are several female figures, each symbolizing different fields of human endeavor such as industry, agriculture, science, and the arts. These figures are depicted offering gifts or symbols of their respective fields to Britannia, indicating their contributions to the nation’s glory and progress.
• One figure is seen holding a gear, symbolizing industrial progress.
• Another figure presents a laurel wreath and a branch, symbols of victory and peace.

1. Symbolic Interaction:

• The interaction between Britannia and the surrounding figures represents the unity and cooperation among different sectors in contributing to the nation’s success and the advancements celebrated at the exposition.

1. Additional Elements:

• At the base of the scene, a majestic lion is depicted lying down, symbolizing strength, courage, and the British Empire’s power.
• The background includes various industrial elements like machinery, symbolizing technological progress and innovation.

1. Artistic Details:

• The figures are intricately detailed, with flowing garments and expressive poses that convey a sense of movement and purpose.
• The composition is balanced and harmonious, with a focus on the central figure of Britannia, drawing the viewer’s attention to her.

1. Inscriptions:

• The medal may include inscriptions around the edge, but these are not visible in the image. Typically, such medals would include details like the event name and date.

Summary:

The obverse side of the bronze award medal from the 1862 International Exposition features a richly detailed and symbolically powerful scene. Britannia, as the central figure, is surrounded by allegorical representations of various fields, highlighting the collective achievements celebrated at the exposition. The inclusion of the lion adds a further layer of symbolic meaning, emphasizing the strength and prestige of the British Empire during this period. This medal not only commemorates individual achievements but also embodies the spirit of progress and unity that defined the 1862 International Exposition.

Description of the Reverse Side of the Bronze Award Medal from the 1862 International Exposition – London, England

Design Elements:

1. Central Inscription:

• The reverse side of the medal prominently features the inscription “1862 LONDINI HONORIS CAUSA” at the center. This translates to “For the sake of honor in London, 1862,” signifying the year and location of the exposition as well as the honorary nature of the award.

1. Wreath Design:

• Surrounding the central inscription is an intricately detailed wreath of oak leaves and acorns. The oak wreath is a traditional symbol of strength, endurance, and honor.
• The wreath is tied together at the bottom with a ribbon, adding an element of elegance and unity to the design.

1. Artistic Details:

• The oak leaves are depicted with fine detail, showcasing the texture and natural form of the leaves and acorns. This level of detail highlights the craftsmanship involved in creating the medal.
• The use of oak, a sturdy and enduring tree, reinforces the themes of strength and longevity.

1. Maker’s Mark:

• At the bottom of the medal, within the design of the ribbon, the maker’s mark “LEONARD C. WYON” is inscribed. Leonard Charles Wyon was a prominent British engraver and medalist, known for his work on various significant medals and coins during the 19th century.

Summary:

The reverse side of the bronze award medal from the 1862 International Exposition in London is characterized by its classical and symbolic design. The central inscription clearly denotes the event and purpose of the medal, while the surrounding oak wreath adds a timeless and honorable aesthetic. The detailed craftsmanship of the oak leaves and the inclusion of the maker’s mark contribute to the medal’s overall historical and artistic value. This side of the medal complements the obverse, together forming a piece that celebrates both the achievements of the recipients and the grandeur of the exposition itself.

Description of the Edge Marking of the Bronze Award Medal from the 1862 International Exposition – London, England

Medal Edge Markings

The edge of the bronze award medal from the 1862 International Exposition features detailed engravings that provide additional context and significance to the award. Here is the description of the edge markings based on the images provided:

1. Recipient’s Name:

• The edge is engraved with the name “J. F. BATEMAN,” indicating the recipient of the medal. John Frederic La Trobe Bateman was a renowned civil engineer known for his significant contributions to water supply systems and civil engineering projects.

1. Title and Role:

• The edge further includes the inscription “F. R. S., JUROR,” signifying that J. F. Bateman was a Fellow of the Royal Society (F.R.S.) and served as a juror at the exposition. This highlights his distinguished status and role in evaluating and awarding exhibits at the fair.

1. Class of Award:

• Another part of the edge is inscribed with “CLASS VIII,” indicating the specific class or category for which the medal was awarded. Each class represented different fields of industry or innovation showcased at the exposition.

Summary:

The edge markings on this bronze award medal provide valuable information about the recipient, their prestigious titles, and their specific role at the 1862 International Exposition. The inclusion of such detailed inscriptions not only personalizes the medal but also enhances its historical significance, offering insights into the notable individuals and the organizational structure of the awards at the exposition.

Summary of Types and Number of Medals Issued at the 1862 International Exposition – London, England

The 1862 International Exposition, also known as the Great London Exposition, was a major world’s fair that celebrated industrial achievements and innovations. A key feature of this exposition were Juries examining the products of at least 25,000 exhibitors who showcased exceptional products, inventions, and works of art.

The numbers of medals voted by the 612 Jurors amounted to 7,000 and the Honorable Mentions (diplomas, not medals) to about 5,300. It was decided that only one description of medal were awarded by the Jurors. This allowed the Jurors to only award Excellence (and a medal) where it was found without reference to the competition between exhibitors. Many articles possessed excellence that deserved special mention (but not a medal) and these were published as Honorable Mention.

Types of Award Medals Issued:

So according to official Juries report, only one type of award medal was issued and that was of the design to the one show above. There were no gold, silver, bronze or any other type of medal. All 7,000 of the award medal look alike. If you want to see a list of medal winners, click the Juries report link above.

Honorable Mentions:

In addition to the medals, honorable mentions were given to exhibits that, while not receiving a medal, were still deemed worthy of recognition for their quality and ingenuity.

Number of Medals Issued: 7,000

Conclusion:

The 1862 International Exposition awarded a total of around 7,000 medals of the same design across different categories, recognizing the outstanding achievements of exhibitors from various industries and disciplines. These awards played a crucial role in highlighting the innovations and excellence demonstrated at the exposition, contributing to its lasting legacy as a landmark event in the history of international exhibitions.