3-039-230 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Medal for the opening of Blackfriars New Bridge, 1871. 'The design of the medal struck by order of the Lord Mayor and Common Council of London to commemorate the opening of new Blackfriars Bridge and of the Holborn Viaduct, on Nov. 6, 1869, by her Majesty the Queen, is shown in our Illustration. The sculptor is Mr. G. G. Adams, who has executed many such works, and has gained high prizes for designs of medals. On the obverse side of this medal is a portrait of her Majesty in bold relief. It is a pleasing likeness. On the reverse side is a representation of the new Blackfriars Bridge and Holborn Valley Viaduct, encircled by branches of laurel and oak leaves alternately. These spring from behind the City shield, in the centre foreground. On the left side (in the angle) is an allegorical figure of the city of London, who, having recorded on her scroll the day of opening, looks towards Britannia, in the opposite angle, who is represented as proclaiming the works opened. The accessories are St. Paul's Cathedral and buildings in the distance, with the river Thames'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.