A rare Matthew Johnson composition stone figure of Bacchus, mid 19th century

on associated composition stone pedestal

Matthew W Johnson's works rarely come onto the market. Whether this is because none of his pieces were stamped or because little was made is uncertain. An incomplete catalogue dating from the mid 19^th Century exists and he advertises the company as Sculptors and Masons as well as producing figures, fountains and vases in artificial stone "warranted to resist frost". The firm operated from New Road, Fitzroy Square, London and claimed "an immense variety of designs for inspection, including being the "patentee of the newly invented stone coffin". There is a connection between Matthew Johnson and Austin and Seeley, since many of the models are identical and the composition of the aggregate in the mix is very similar. It may be that the latter took over Johnson's business at some point. The engraving of this figure of  Bacchus is  illustrated in Matthew Johnson's undated catalogue of engravings priced at £6.10s.