Memorial of the old Temple Bar

Art Historical Context

This finely struck lead medal, titled *Memorial of the Old Temple Bar (1878), commemorates one of London's most iconic ceremonial gateways. Crafted by British artists C. H. Mabey and J.ey, its 4-inch (10.2 cm) allowed for intricate details in relief, capturing the architectural grandeur of Temple Bar—a historic stone archway that once marked the entrance to the City London from Westminster. Demolished that same year to accommodate growing traffic, the structure symbolized centuries of civic pride and royal processions. Struck medals like this were a popular 19th-century medium in Britain for preserving historical moments, blending sculpture with numismatic precision. Lead, though less common than bronze or silver, lent a tactile weight and subtle patina, making it ideal for display in collections. Donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1908 by the Corporation of the City of London, this piece reflects Victorian nostalgia for vanishing urban landmarks, bridging decorative arts with public memory. Today, it invites visitors to reflect on how such plaquettes immortalized the past amid rapid modernization, offering a pocket-sized portal to London's evolving skyline.

About the Artist

C. H. Mabey|J. Mabey ( | ) · 1825 |1825 –1925 |1925

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