| Product
Code |
: |
PUD NO_882-2_AE |
| Subject | : | Lord Lawrence |
| Size | : | 51 mm |
| Metal | : | Copper |
| Year | : | 1882 |
| Description | : | obv. Head of Lawrence, left. Below : OB 1879. Signed : T. WOOLNER. SC. J. MOORE. F., rev. Breast badge of the Order of the Star of India in centre with motto and rayed sun. Around border : IN HONOUR OF JOHN LORD LAWRENCE - 1882.
This medal was struck at the Calcutta Mint although there is no mention of a gold medal in the die impression registers. Forrer in his Biographical Dictionary of Medallists notes that the artists made a ‘design for a gold medal’ thus gold specimens may exist although none have been traced. It is possible, perhaps probable, that an initial striking took place in England as an original box has been noted with : JOSEPH MOORE / DIE ENGRAVER / & MEDALLIST / BIRMINGHAM, on it.
Sir John Lawrence rose from Haileybury boy, fresh out from England in 1830 at the age of 29, to Viceroy and Governor-General in 1864. He was the third Governor-General to rise through the ranks, Hastings and Shore being the others. He spent nearly his whole career in the Punjab rising to Chief Commissioner when appointed by Lord Dalhousie in 1853. Due to ill health he returned to London in 1859 and became an original member of the Council of India until 1864 when he was appointed Viceroy. He was lionized by his subordinates, was vigorous and prompt in action, yet cautious and masterful in governing. He became Baron Lawrence of the Punjab and Grateley after retirement, chaired various boards and committees and was buried in Westminster Abbey. Statues were erected to him in Calcutta and London. |
