Joseph Shepherd Wyon


Joseph Shepherd Wyon was a British medallist and seal-engraver.

Life

Born in London on 28 July 1836, he was the eldest son of Benjamin Wyon. He was educated by his father, and studied in the Royal Academy Schools, where he gained two silver medals.
On 2 December 1858 Wyon was appointed Chief Engraver of the Seals, a post previously held by his father, Benjamin Wyon, and grandfather, Thomas Wyon the elder. He died at Winchester on 12 August 1873.

Works

Wyon's first important work was a medal of James Watt. On Robert Stephenson's recommendation, it was adopted as the prize medal of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
In his work as a medallist, Wyon was aided by his brothers Alfred Benjamin Wyon and Allan Wyon. The medals are often signed "J. S. and A. B. Wyon". They included: