Portrait of Joseph Priestley
Date
ca. 1864
Creator
After
John Flaxman (1755, British) , Sculptor
Object type
Archive reference number
Material
Technique
Dimensions
length (object): 105mm
diameter (object): 85mm
diameter (object): 85mm
Subject
Description
An oval portrait of Joseph Priestley, wearing a high-collared shirt, necktie and wig, his face in right profile [as viewed]. Thought to be after a design by John Flaxman, who worked as a modeller under Josiah Wedgwood.
From the front cover of The Priestley Papers a volume containing portraits, drawings, letters and other memorials of Joseph Priestley.
Joseph Priestley (1733-1804) British theologian and natural philosopher, was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1766.
John Flaxman (1755-1826) sculptor, decorative designer and illustrator was not a Fellow of the Royal Society; Josiah Wedgwood (1730-1795) master potter was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1783.
From the front cover of The Priestley Papers a volume containing portraits, drawings, letters and other memorials of Joseph Priestley.
Joseph Priestley (1733-1804) British theologian and natural philosopher, was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1766.
John Flaxman (1755-1826) sculptor, decorative designer and illustrator was not a Fellow of the Royal Society; Josiah Wedgwood (1730-1795) master potter was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1783.
Object history
During the planning of the new University Museum of Oxford in 1856, it was decided to commission several statues of famous scientists. One of these was to be of Priestley, and James Yates was invited to oversee its conception. In his own words, 'it became necessary to obtain the best portraits, busts and bas-reliefs to assist the sculptor in making a good likeness.' He also acquired reports of personal experiences and anecdotes from people who knew Priestley, and in 1864 assembled all of this material into this volume.
This volume was presented to the Royal Society in 1957 by the Priestley family.
This volume was presented to the Royal Society in 1957 by the Priestley family.
Related fellows
James Yates (1789 - 1871, British) , Minister
Associated place