A marble portrait bust of Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness, 1st Baron Ashford, by John Henry Foley comes up at Bonhams in London on November 27. A grandson of Arthur Guinness he was responsible for making the Guinness brand a household name in Ireland and overseas during the 19th century. In 1855 Guinness became the wealthiest man in Ireland and was elected the first Lord Mayor of Dublin under the reformed corporation. John Henry Foley RA, RHA (1818-1874) depicted Guinness in the classical robes of a Roman dignitary symbolising his wealth and standing Foley is best known for his heroic and monumental statues, including that of Daniel O’Connell on O’Connell Street, Oliver Goldsmith and Edmund Burke on the grounds of Trinity College, and Henry Grattan on College Green, Dublin. Sculpted in 1867 the bust is estimated at £20,000-30,000.
UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR £25,000
