The Regent's Bomb 1811-16
Patinated bronze and brass, on a black marble base | 28.0 x 29.2 x 17.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 3171
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Inkstand of brass and patinated bronze in the form of a dragon cannon, mounted on a black marble base supported by four turtle feet; a small drawer with a handle in the form of Prince of Wales feathers fitted with a recess for pens and compartments for ink and sand wells. The inkstand is a reduction of the mortar on Horse Guards' Parade which was unveiled by the Prince Regent on his birthday, 12 August 1816. Dubbed 'The Regent's Bomb', its unveileing was recorded in caricatures of Rabelaisian vigour. The brass plaque on the side is inscribed 'To Commemorate / the raising of the siege of Cadiz in consequence of the glorious Victory gained by the / Duke of Wellington / over the French near Salamanca, on XXII of July MSCCCXII / This mortar, cast for the destruction of the great port, with powers surpassing all others / and abandoned by the Besiegers on their Retreat / was presented as a token of respect and gratitude by the Spanish nation / to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent.' A gilt bronze reduction of the mortar and its carriage is at Anglesey Abbey and an apparently identical mortar inkstand belonging to the Dukes of Wellington is at Apsley House. Another is at Hinton Ampner. Thomas Dudley is recorded at 36 King Street, Soho, and described in London Directories of the time as a 'bell hanger'.
Provenance
Purchased by the Prince Regent in 1817 for Carlton House (Jutsham's Receipts, Vol II, p.15, 30 May 1817), and in store there under the clock. Recorded at Buckingham Palace in 1826.
Included in the Pictorial Inventory of 1827-33 – RCIN 934827. The inventory was originally created as a record of the clocks, vases, candelabra and other miscellaneous items from Carlton House, as well as selected items from the stores at Buckingham House, the Royal Pavilion, Brighton, Hampton Court and Kensington Palace for consideration in the refurbishment of Windsor Castle.
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Creator(s)
(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Patinated bronze and brass, on a black marble base
Measurements
28.0 x 29.2 x 17.0 cm (whole object)
Object type(s)