William Wyon Sculptor, chief state engraver of the Royal Mint of Great Britain Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of William Wyon
2. Early Life and Education
3. Career at the Royal Mint
4. The Portrait of Princess Victoria
5. Legacy and Death

Biography of William Wyon

William Wyon was a renowned sculptor and the Chief Engraver of the Royal Mint in Great Britain. Known for his skill and prolific creativity, Wyon was widely recognized among collectors of coins, medals, and postage stamps.

Early Life and Education

William Wyon was born in 1795 in Birmingham, England, into a family with close ties to the renowned medallist Thomas Wyon. His career in engraving began at the age of 14 when his father sent him to study the art of engraving.

Career at the Royal Mint

In 1816, during the reign of King George III, Wyon was appointed as the Second Engraver of the Royal Mint. His talent and dedication soon led to his promotion as the Chief Engraver in 1828. One of Wyon's notable works was the portrait of Princess Victoria at the age of thirteen, which he engraved for a medal commemorating her eighteenth birthday in 1831. This portrait went on to have a long-lasting impact, as Wyon later used a slightly modified version for the coronation medal and coins issued in 1838.

The Portrait of Princess Victoria

In 1834, Wyon created a slightly altered model of Princess Victoria's head when she was fifteen years old. This particular image was later used for the City Medal, struck in 1837 to commemorate Victoria's first visit to the City of London after ascending to the throne. The beauty of this portrait flattered the queen, concealing some of her imperfections, which is why she cherished it so much. It was only on her sixtieth birthday that Queen Victoria allowed the discontinuation of coins featuring this portrait. This same head model was also engraved on British postage stamps and depicted on postal stationery from 1841 to 1901.

Legacy and Death

William Wyon passed away on October 29, 1851, and was laid to rest at the West Norwood Cemetery. His son, Leonard Charles Wyon, continued the legacy of the royal medallists, following in his father's footsteps.