Parkesine exhibition medal replica

Rear view of a medal showing the moulded inscription.

Side view of a medal showing the depth of the moulding.

Front view of a medal showing the moulded head of Prince Albert.

Classification

Description

A single colour replica of an 1862 exhibition medal, with the profile of Prince Albert on one side, made of compression moulded Parkesine (cellulose nitrate). Parkesine is the tradename for the first man-made plastic, which was invented by Alexander Parkes in 1862. The medal is thought to be an interpretation of the medals awarded to exhibitors at the world fair held in South Kensington, now the location of the South Kensington museums. The medal has the portrait of Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria on one side and on the reverse it has the inscription 'PARKESINE. EXHIBITION MEDAL AWARDED 1862. A. PARKES BIRM. PATENTEE' The inscription is surronded by a wreath of vines on the left and strawberry plant on the right side. This example is made in a single terracotta colour.

Designers & Manufacturers

Designer (Person)

Unknown

Manufacturer

Unknown

Manufactured for

Parkesine

Inscriptions

moulded: "Prince Albert Consort of Queen Victoria" (front)

moulded: "Parkesine Exhibition Medal Awarded 1862. A. Parkes Birm. Patentee" (rear)

Object number

AIBDC : 006561SA

Rights

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Date

1862 - 1868 (circa)

Country

Method

compression moulded

Material

plastic

cellulose nitrate

Parkesine - trade name

celluloid - generic term

Dimensions

Depth

3mm

Diameter

42mm

Colour

brown