Lot Essay
Sir John Neeld served parliment for Cricklade and Chippenham, with one interruption between 1835 and 1836. He was also a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber to Queen Victoria, and was elevated for his services to a Baronetcy in 1859. His older brother Joseph Neeld, inherited the fortune of Philip Rundell, the celebrated early 19th century silversmith and jeweller, and was one of Baily's greatest patrons. The present bust reputedly comes from the Neeld Collection.