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Lot Essay
Lord John Russell (1792-1878), was a Whig politician and one of the principal leaders of the fight for the Reform Act of 1832. He served twice as prime minister under Queen Victoria.
John Francis displayed an artistic talent and was advised to seek training under Chantrey in 1810. He attracted the patronage of Mr Coke, later the Earl of Leicester, and successfully carved a portrait bust to be exhibited in the Royal Academy in 1820. He became the unoffical sculptor of the Whig Party and was a particular favourite of William IV. Other busts by Francis of Lord John Russell are in the National Portrait Gallery, London, NPG 678, dated 1832 and Windsor Castle, dated 1838.
John Francis displayed an artistic talent and was advised to seek training under Chantrey in 1810. He attracted the patronage of Mr Coke, later the Earl of Leicester, and successfully carved a portrait bust to be exhibited in the Royal Academy in 1820. He became the unoffical sculptor of the Whig Party and was a particular favourite of William IV. Other busts by Francis of Lord John Russell are in the National Portrait Gallery, London, NPG 678, dated 1832 and Windsor Castle, dated 1838.