DAVID WYNNE (1926-2014): SILVER SCULPTURE OF THE BOY WITH THE DOLPHIN

David Wynne, OBE, born 1926.

The iconic ‘Boy with a Dolphin’, located on  Cheyne Walk, London, is both a masterpiece of engineering and design. The boy is famously and tragically based upon his sone, Roland (b. 1964) who died in 1999.

Other examples produced in a limited edition by Mappin & Webb were sold via Bonhams (2015, 2013 and 2011) and Sotheby’s, 1987, lot 351.

Provenance: 

Acquired at the time of production by a private owner, formerly of Cheyne Walk, where it remained with the family. 

Condition report: 

Some residue silver cleaner to the recesses, notably to the details of the hair and other crevices. Some minor areas of tarnishing, which can be cleaned and dirt from general handling with very  light inevitable scuffs and marks commensurate with wear, use and age.

A very small nick and slight rubbing  to the edge of the plinth, commensurate with age and use. The hallmark is beneath the tail.

Please find additional websites on the website.  

One photograph shows the small nick to the edge of the plinth, within context of the whole piece. The very top point and edge of the left hand corner is slightly rubbed, but this is very small and as to be expected with age and use. 

The boy’s  skin is textured, possibly to reflect the difference between his and the dolphin’s shiny wet surface. There are small areas of dirt and some tarnishing. The whole would benefit from a thorough clean, ideally by a silver restorer. The areas of tarnishing to the back of the boy could potentially be cleaned off, and the tarnishing is gathered in the recesses of the skin. There are other areas of mild oxidisation which is only natural with handling and exposure. There is a spot of potential dirt to the side of the cheek. Overall, this piece would benefit from a good, professional clean by a qualified  restorer or silversmith. Please see extra images.