Description:

William Shakespeare
[London, England], ca. 1864
William Shakespeare Tercentenary Celebration Bronze Bust, 11" High
Artwork

A bronze bust of storied English playwright William Shakespeare (1564-1616) after French-British sculptor Felix Martin Miller (1819/20-1908), and distributed by Howell James & Company, fine retailers on Regent Street in London. Ca. 1864. [London, England.] The bust of the bearded Bard depicted in Elizabethan dress sits atop a black stone pedestal. The back of the bust is engraved: "F. Miller / Sc. / Published / Under the Special Patronage / of / The National Shakespeare Committee / By / Howell James & Co / London / Apro 21 1864 / Copyright Secured Déposé en France." Expected light surface wear to the bust, else with a warm, rich patina. The pedestal has several chips. The bust alone measures approximately 8.5" h x 5.75" x 3.25" while the combined measurements of the bust and pedestal are 11" high by 5.125" diameter base. Weight: 6.65 lb.

Howell James & Company was a London-based retail firm operating between 1819-1911. The silversmith and jeweler also specialized in decorative arts. Miller's bust of Shakespeare was produced in bronze, like this one, or in Wedgwood Parianware.

William Shakespeare celebrated his 300th birthday in April 1864. The National Shakespeare Committee and other organizations planned multiple events to celebrate the birth of England's most famous literary figure; this bust would have been and still is the perfect collectible to inspire genius!

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Medium: Artwork

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November 19, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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