This bust was issued in 1863 by the Crystal Palace Art Union, which was then based at Sydenham, in the Ceramic Court of the Crystal Palace. Founded in 1858 by Thomas Battam junior, the Union was a private company, which charged an annual subscription, in return for which subscribers were able to select an item of Parian Ware from the company’s list. The company is thought to have continued to operate until at least 1883.
