Rodin’s bronzed Henley on display at Gloucester City Museum
The bronzed bust of W. E. Henley by pioneering French sculptor Auguste Rodin will be on display at Gloucester City Museum until 12th December as part of an exhibition.
François Auguste René Rodin (12 November 1840 – 17 November 1917) was a revolutionary artist, spanning over more than five decades, Rodin created thousands of busts, figures, and sculptural fragments.
Gloucester City Museum have been loaned three items by the National Portrait Gallery to display during the ‘Invictus’ exhibition, one of which is a striking bronze sculpture of the poet W. E. Henley made by Rodin in 1886, a high profile addition to the exhibition.
The sculpture is joined by two portraits of Henley, one a pen and ink sketch by illustrator Harry Furniss, the other a pastel portrait by Francis Dodd.
All of these pieces will be on display in the first floor galleries at City museum from October 9th until December 12th.
William Ernest Henley (1849 – 1903) was a Gloucester born poet and author, famous for his poem ‘Invictus’ which inspired Nelson Mandela during his years in captivity on Robben Island.
Lise Noakes, Gloucester City Cabinet member for Culture and Leisure, said; “It is a major coup for the museum and the City to be able to show these famous artworks.
“Rodin’s artwork is very unique and this is a rare opportunity for people in Gloucester to come and enjoy his historic work, whilst learning about Gloucester’s great poet.”
“I’d like to thank the National Portrait Gallery for loaning us this inspiring artwork.”
Gloucester City and Folk Museum will both be open Monday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm during October half term.
Explore Gloucestershire
20 October 2015
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