From: [log in to unmask]
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 12:19:37 EDT
Subject: Bust of RK
To: [log in to unmask]
Reply-to: [log in to unmask]
6 months ago I bought at auction a life-size head-and-shoulders bust of
Kipling in his later years. It was made of plaster of Paris, stained,
burnished and patinated to look like bronze. The spectacle rims were missing
and it had one or two small chips and scratches but was otherwise in good
condition. It was signed on the shoulder Patrick Synge Hutchinson and dated
1936.
In searching for information about this bust I found that it is virtually
identical to the bronze bust of RK in 'Elsie's sitting room' at Batemans.
The similarity is so close that they must have come from the same original,
though not necessarilly from the same mould. The National Trust say that
their bust, which is not signed or dated, came as part of the Kipling family
collection when Carrie Kipling made over the house in 1939. They understand
that it was modelled by Patrick Lynge (sic) Hutchinson, an American sculptor,
but can add nothing else.
Can anyone tell me:
Who was Patrick Synge/Lynge Hutchinson?
When and why was this bust commissioned and how did the Kipling family
acquire the bronze version?
What was the origin of my plaster version and were there any others made?
Roger Ayers
Membership Secretary
The Kipling Society
295 Castle Road
Salisbury
SP1 3SB
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