The Babies in The Wood at The Castle Museum, Norwich

myminifactory

John Bell was a British sculptor born in 1811 in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. His family lived in Hopton Hall, Suffolk. In 1837, Bell's reputation soared when he exhibited two stunning busts, 'Amoret' and 'Psyche,' at the British Institution. That same year, his 'Babes in the Wood' sculpture wowed audiences at the Royal Academy summer exhibition. Marble versions of this piece can be found at Osborne House and Norwich Castle. In 1844, Bell entered his 'Eagle Slayer' and 'Jane Shore' sculptures into a competition for the new Houses of Parliament. A cast-iron version of the 'Eagle Slayer' was showcased at The Great Exhibition of 1851, where it stood proudly under an eagle-adorned canopy. Today, this exhibit is on display at the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green. Bell also created a Shakespeare sculpture that was widely reproduced and featured on the front page of 'Recollections of the Great Exhibition.' Cartoonist John Leech even chose this piece as the centerpiece for his famous cartoon "Dinner-time at the Crystal Palace," which was published in Punch. This remarkable object is part of "Scan The World." Scan The World is a groundbreaking initiative launched by MyMiniFactory, aiming to create a free digital archive of 3D printable sculptures and artworks from around the globe. This project is an open-source community effort, and we invite you to contribute your own unique items. Simply email stw@myminifactory.com to learn more about how you can help shape this valuable resource for everyone to access and enjoy.