28th Oct, 2021 9:30
A rare and historic 19th century John Bell foundry cast iron bull's head wall applique from the gate posts of the historical Metropolitan cattle market, opened by Prince Albert in 1855 and later became the much loved " Cally Market", the Caledonian market in the now Borough of Islington, London. 45 cm wide x 25 cm deep
Up until recently, it was thought that only one of these heads survived the demolition of the livestock section of the market in 1963. The other example being in the collection of the Museum of London. The other can be seen when it was sold at auction by Christie's in 2014.
Removed from a garden wall in Berkshire when the vendor purchased the property.
By repute, the former occupant/owner worked on the demolition of part of the market in the 1960s and is thought to have salvaged the head, it has been fitted to the garden wall up until now. The head bears no foundry marks but Messrs John Bell were known to have supplied the cast iron appliques for the gate posts.
To see the head in its context please follow the link: contemporary engraving from the London Illustrated News
Sold for £6,200
Condition Report
The bulls head has a later nut affixed to the forehead
The bulls head seems to have a small patch missing from the side jowl piece this could be a ragged end of the casting from manufacture as it wouldn't be seen in its fixed position, see the images
A rare and historic 19th century John Bell foundry cast iron bull's head wall applique from the gate posts of the historical Metropolitan cattle market, opened by Prince Albert in 1855 and later became the much loved " Cally Market", the Caledonian market in the now Borough of Islington, London. 45 cm wide x 25 cm deep
Up until recently, it was thought that only one of these heads survived the demolition of the livestock section of the market in 1963. The other example being in the collection of the Museum of London. The other can be seen when it was sold at auction by Christie's in 2014.
Provenance
Removed from a garden wall in Berkshire when the vendor purchased the property.
By repute, the former occupant/owner worked on the demolition of part of the market in the 1960s and is thought to have salvaged the head, it has been fitted to the garden wall up until now. The head bears no foundry marks but Messrs John Bell were known to have supplied the cast iron appliques for the gate posts.
To see the head in its context please follow the link: contemporary engraving from the London Illustrated News
