Benjamin Wyon received a major portion of his instruction from his elder brother, Thomas Wyon the younger. He succeeded his father as Chief Engraver of the Seals in 1831. Benjamin had two sons, Joseph Shepherd and Alfred Benjamin, both of whom also became medallists.
The Wyons are one of the most celebrated and talented families of coin and medal engravers in England. Their period of activity extends from before the middle of the eighteenth century to almost the end of the nineteenth century. It is believed that Peter George (II) Wyon came to England from Cologne, Germany, during the reign of King George II. He brought with him a boy who grew up to be George (III) Wyon. George (III) Wyon in turn had two sons, Thomas (I) and Peter, both of whom distinguished themselves as medallists and engravers of dies for coinage. Peter was the father of William Wyon, the most famous of the Wyon family of artists. William, in turn, was the father of Leonard Charles Wyon.
Benjamin Wyon designed the Royal Botanic Society of London gold prize medal in 1904 (NU 18371). He also designed several London commemorative medals, including a medal for the opening of new London Bridge, the foundation of the City of London School, the opening of a new Coal Exchange and the Reception of Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie at the Guildhall.
References:
Christopher Eimer (medals and medallic art) website http://www.christophereimer.co.uk/single/8489.html, accessed 18/2/2004.
Historical and Commemorative Medals in the Collection of Benjamin Weiss - http://www.historicalartmedals.com, accessed 18/2/2004.
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