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Lot Essay
Edward Hodges Baily R.A. b. 1788, d. 1867
The son of a ship's carver Baily showed an early artistic talent and started by modelling portrait busts in wax. A young surgeon named Leigh was so enamoured by Baily's work he commissioned him to produce two small groups after designs by Flaxman. Leigh was so impressed by the groups he sent one to Flaxman urging him to take the young artist on in his studio, which Flaxman duly did. Baily went on to enjoy a distinguished and illustrious career, with numerous Royal commissions. A number of Baily's works were in Mr. Elkanah Bicknell's sale held at Christie's on 25 April, 1853. These items had originally been made for Bicknell's Gallery in Herne Hill, and the chief lots were ''Paris'' £161; ''Helen'' £162; ''Psyche'' £315 and ''Cupid'' £254.
The son of a ship's carver Baily showed an early artistic talent and started by modelling portrait busts in wax. A young surgeon named Leigh was so enamoured by Baily's work he commissioned him to produce two small groups after designs by Flaxman. Leigh was so impressed by the groups he sent one to Flaxman urging him to take the young artist on in his studio, which Flaxman duly did. Baily went on to enjoy a distinguished and illustrious career, with numerous Royal commissions. A number of Baily's works were in Mr. Elkanah Bicknell's sale held at Christie's on 25 April, 1853. These items had originally been made for Bicknell's Gallery in Herne Hill, and the chief lots were ''Paris'' £161; ''Helen'' £162; ''Psyche'' £315 and ''Cupid'' £254.