Edgar Bertram Mackennal Engraver to King George V

Early Career

Upon his arrival in England, at a mere 19 years of age Mackennal sought to broaden his understanding of the creative arts, seeing him enroll at the Royal Academy of Arts. However, Mackennal soon grew discontent with his studies, instead heading to Paris to learn under the guidance of already accomplished artists and sculptors.  With the commission of a bust depicting a British Army Officer in 1884, Bertram returned to London before marrying and embarking on a honeymoon that would put the newly-weds under significant financial strain. Thanks to this monetary pressure the couple resided in Shropshire, England where Bertram was appointed Head of Modelling and Design at Coalport Potteries.  

The Melbourne Mint, Australia & A Successful Career 

The engraver would go onto finally enjoy critical acclaim in 1893 with his figure “Circle”. When shown at the Royal Academy of Arts he claimed the illustrious title of first Australian artist to have their work exhibited.  Thanks to the interest the piece cultivated in creative circles the commissions began to roll in. After once again working across Australia and Europe Bertram set up shop in the English capital, completing the marble “The Earth and the Elements” and “Diana Wounded” in 1907 and 1908 respectively, with both pieces being purchased by the National Gallery of British Art. The success of these pieces saw Mackennal be elected as an associate of the Royal Academy of Arts in 1909, again the first Australian to be given such a position.  

A Royal Portrait

Two obverse portraits were produced for coinage during the rule of George V with the first being struck between 1911 and 1928 and the successor being minted from 1929 to 1932.  The original run of circulating coins featured a larger portrait of King George V, however production problems at The Royal Mint meant the effigy design was revised, ultimately making the portrait smaller; both variants of the portrait feature Bertram Mackennal’s initials,” BM”, on the truncated neck.  

Later Life  

 Which upon it’s unveiling the Australian visionary was made a knight Commander of the Victorian Order. Unfortunately, a decade later the famed sculptor would pass away at his home in Devon, leaving behind a collection of works as varied as his residence.