© The Linnean Society of London

Material: Bronze, signed
Patina: Brown
Edition: Unique commission for the Linnean Society of London
Dimensions: Life-size

Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778) was one of the great scientists of his era. A national hero in his native land of Sweden, he is known internationally to biologists - especially those who deal with taxonomy. He is known as the 'father of modern taxonomy' and was the inventor of the systematic system by which species are named and classified. His system for giving each species a two word name (e.g. Homo sapiens) enabled a simple and meaningful classification system by which scientists could easily study and discuss species universally, using the same recognised names.

The Linnean Society of London (the World's oldest Natural History society) commissioned me to sculpt this bust of Linnaeus to celebrate the Tercentenary of his birth - which was celebrated on the 23rd of May 2007. It was a great honour for me to produce a sculpture of this great scientist - who's work I had studied at University. He exhibits in abundance all the attributes required by both a scientist, and an artist - patience, diligence, careful observation and dedication. It is his passion and fascination for his subject that I have sought to depict in this piece.

The bust was unveiled by Roy Lancaster OBE at the Linnean Society's garden at the Chelsea Flower Show, where it was admired by, amongst many others, the King and Queen of Sweden. The garden was awarded a Silver-gilt medal. Click here to see some pictures from the Chelsea Flower Show, and the unveiling of the bust.

The bust is now on permanent display in the hallway of the Linnean Society's building at Burlington House, Piccadilly, London.