Sculpture of the Day: A Relief of King George V, 1924

The Victoria & Albert Museum

Made in London in 1924, this medal features relief sculptures by Percy Metcalfe on the reverse and Sir Bertram Mackennal on the obverse and was produced by the Royal Mint in bronze. The medal was made for the British Empire Exhibition which opened on St George’s Day, 1924 at Wembley Park in north-west London.


The British Empire Exhibition was to promote trade within the countries of the Empire and to pay homage to those who had fallen during the Great War. This medal, with its handsome bust of King George V, was the winning entry of the competition which was sponsored by the Goldsmith's Company for a medal commemorating the exhibition. Subsequently, it was used as the official award medal for all exhibitors.


It is inscribed:

'GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:'
'BRITISH EMPIRE / EXHIBITION / 1924'