Lot Essay
Benjamin Wyon was an English medallist, die-sinker, sculptor and engraver. He received instruction from his elder brother, Thomas Wyon the younger and succeeded his father as Chief Engraver of the Seals in 1831. The old London Bridge was deemed to be beyond modernisation so the decision was taken to replace it and a competition was set for the design. It was won by John Rennie (1761-1821) with his bridge finally opening ten years after his death, in 1831.