Description
Important Scottish Historic Victorian Bronze Bust of Rev. Thomas Guthrie FRSE (1803-1873) ?? By Sir John Robert Steell RSA (1804-1891)
Subject and Medium
This is a highly impressive Scottish Victorian portrait bust of Rev. Thomas Guthrie FRSE, presented as a quarter-length, front-facing composition intended to read with authority in a professional or formal interior. The work is executed in fine cast bronze and mounted on a fitted base with original red velvet lining beneath, giving it the correct period feel and a finished, presentation-quality appearance.
Origin: Scotland ???
Period: Mid-19th century, Victorian era (circa 1856) ??
Weight: approx. 25 kg (estimate)-notably substantial and very "anchored" in display ???
Composition and Technique
The sculptural language is direct and confident: Guthrie is shown looking straight at the viewer, his expression sober and intent. The modelling is crisp, with a strong architectural build to the face-prominent brow, carefully defined orbital structure, and a disciplined mouth and jawline that read cleanly even at distance. The forehead lines and the texture of the hair are particularly well handled, with thick locks described in a way that catches highlights and enhances depth.
Drapery is treated with restraint, forming a weighty, robe-like fall that supports the portrait without theatricality-exactly what one expects in a serious Victorian commemorative likeness. The surface carries a rich, mature patina, with natural brightening on high points (forehead, nose, cheekbones and collar contours) and deeper tones in recesses, creating a convincing "museum" presence under ambient light.
Dimensions in centimetres
High (52.5 cm)
Width of base (25.5 cm)
Length depth of base (23 cm)
Depth of head deepest point (26 cm)
The Sitter
Thomas Guthrie FRSE (1803-1873) was born in Brechin, Angus, and became one of Scotland's most recognised preachers of his time. His reputation extended well beyond the pulpit: he is particularly associated with philanthropic and social reform activity, including the Ragged Schools movement and wider civic welfare work. Portrait sculpture of Guthrie belongs to a Victorian culture of honouring public virtue-works intended to communicate character, leadership, and moral authority.
Historical Significance
This is not a casual "named bust" attribution: Guthrie's bronze portrait is supported by institutional and scholarly anchors. A bronze of Rev. Thomas Guthrie by Sir John Steell is held in the National Galleries of Scotland (Accession PG 805) and is credited "Given by Lord Guthrie 1912." That kind of institutional record materially strengthens buyer confidence in the subject/model and its historical standing.
In addition, the University of Glasgow's Mapping the Practice and Profession of Sculpture database records "The Rev. Thomas Guthrie" as a bronze bust by Steell, and notes associated exhibition referencing in the historical record.
The Sculptor
Sir John Robert Steell RSA (1804-1891) is a major figure in Scottish 19th-century sculpture, widely collected and closely associated with public portraiture and civic monuments. The existence of Guthrie's bust within a national collection under Steell's name reinforces the plausibility and importance of this portrait type within his wider output. ?
Signed
The bust is described as signed and dated to the reverse by Steell.
(For best practice at this level, your dossier should include a sharp close-up of the inscription and any foundry/impressed marks.)
Provenance
Private Collection by descent, acquired via notable souther Shire auction house Dominic Winter sale, subsequently curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD and retained in the company collection.
Exhibited:
Royal Academy of Arts, London, The Exhibition of Scottish Art, 1939, catalogue reference p. 101 (no. 226) (per your cited source and consistent with the Mapping Sculpture record).
Famous Lord Hill Museum, Autumn 2025 (owner records). ???
Why You'll Love It
Executive presence: this is the kind of sculpture that immediately elevates an office, library, reception space, or serious private collection-commanding, formal, and unmistakably Victorian in character.
Museum-grade detailing: the crisp facial modelling (notably the brow, forehead lines, and hair) reads as "high quality" at first glance and rewards close inspection.
Patina you cannot fake convincingly: the surface shows a mature, appealing tonal range with natural highlights-exactly what collectors want in a period bronze.
Institutional resonance: the subject/model is supported by major collection and scholarly records, which strengthens confidence for collectors and clients alike.
A genuine display object: substantial scale and weight give it gravitas; it does not feel decorative or light-it feels important.
Condition Report
Offered in fine used condition. The bronze shows noticeable age wear including minor scratches, small surface marks, and handling evidence commensurate with age. The original red velvet lining beneath the base is present, noted as having loosened historically and having been stabilised/reattached. Overall, the bust presents extremely well, with the patina and surface character adding rather than detracting.
Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe global delivery.
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Add this historical Scottish sculptural masterpiece to your collection today.
Reserve: $9,600.00
Shipping:
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In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Jasper52 specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Jasper52 within 5 days of receiving the item.
Condition
Used
Buyer's Premium
20%
Important Bronze Bust Rev Thomas Guthrie FRSE By Sir John Robert Steell RSA
Estimate $12,000-$14,000
Starting Price
$4,800
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10561
4.5
54754
Landscape, Cityscape & Decorative Art
Jul 05, 2026 1:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
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