WIP Critique Lt. Alexander Dunn VC, 11th Hussars 1854

[Colin_Fraser]

My next bust project will be one I have long wanted to do.

This subject has everything going for it:

• Canada's first VC;
• Probably my favourite uniform worn in one of my favourite actions - The Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaklava in 1854;
• A local Toronto boy who bought into the famous 11th Hussars in 1852;
• A man whose awards I once saw at Upper Canada College here in Toronto (now in the Canadian Army Museum for safekeeping);
• Reputed to be the handsomest man in the British army and who stood 6' 3" at a time when this was a very imposing height. He wielded an extra long sabre as a result of his height.
• The first Canadian to command a regular British regiment.
• A bit of a rake who ran off with his CO's wife and who may have been murdered as a result on campaign in Abyssinia.

Just about every Victorian cliche in one guy.

There are a couple of post-Crimea photos of Dunn and a couple of good paintings based on these. Lots of info on the uniform. Here are his awards.



More info on Dunn https://legionmagazine.com/en/2004/01/canada-and-the-victoria-cross/

I will be building him in action as he may have looked in the act of cutting down 3 Russian cavalrymen and saving the life of Sgt. Bentley during the charge.

Scale about 1/6 and as usual - sculpey firm. Eyes are glass beads from Michaels....first time I have tried this. This is about 15 mins work.

 

[pmfs]

I will follow Colin.

cheers

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Dunn resigned his commission and left the Crimea, running off with his Colonel's wife. Colonel Douglas was a well known martinet and a favourite of Lord Cardigan, having supported him during the infamous Reynolds and "Black Bottle" affairs. It is known that Cardigan hated Indian Army officers. It can only be imagined what he had to say about the Lieutenant from Canada who cuckolded his Colonel. Right out of Flashman!

Here are a couple of portraits of Col. Douglas. Mike French did a super portrait of him several years ago.

 

[Nap]

Hi Colin,

Looking forward to seeing this on ..with the medals perhaps but either way it will be enjoyable following this.

Nap

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Thanks Nap. No medals in the North Valley at Balaklava sadly. We both love medals but accuracy must trump.

Colin

 

[Ray Welshman]

Great subject Colin, looking forward to watching the progress

Cheers

Ray

 

[red tom]

I love the fact that when he was presented with his VC he was wearing a uniform borrowed from the man he had cuckolded.

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Some work on his face. Moustache and mutton chops to come after his face is widened.

 

[clrsgt]

The Crimean war is a favorite subject of mine. Will follow this one with interest.

 

[ChaosCossack]

The expression on this face is excellent!!! I think it's the first time I've seen you do a piece with such an energetic and intense look... I can't wait to see this one develope.

Dig in my brother!

Colin

 

[MCPWilk]

First rate face!

Mike

 

[Viking Bob]

Looking lovely, I'm in.
Bob

 

[arj]

Another interesting sculpt.
Thanks for showing how you are developing the face.
Andrew

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Here is the head 95% done. Still some clean up to be done on the face. The busby bag is sculpted dancing as the officer is shown engaging the enemy.





This is a print of the 11th from the 70s that I have on my living room wall. The dress is off for the charge (being full dress) but great detailed print none the less.

 

[Nap]

Colin,

That head is coming along really well ..this is going to be really interesting ...looking forward to seeing the pose you have chosen

Like the movement in the busby bag as well

Thanks for the update

Nap

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Colin,

That head is coming along really well ..this is going to be really interesting ...looking forward to seeing the pose you have chosen

Like the movement in the busby bag as well

Thanks for the update

Nap

Hey Nap...I will likely choose one of the drill book sword positions shown in the Bryan Fosten plates in Windrow and Greene's book "Into the Valley of Death." Other hand holding the reins of course.

Colin

 

[MCPWilk]

I hope you will consider ease of casting when you are making this!

Mike

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Thanks Mike - one at a time....puleez! LOL

I realized that the chin chain should have been a double after referring to the book ref'd above. The dress regs call for lion head bosses on the chin chain but the colour plates show a sphinx decoration as per the 11th's regimental badge. I went with the lion heads.

 

[MCPWilk]

I think the double chin scales look good although they appear to be going down on the left and up on the right. I do my chin scales in two halves linked in the middle:

Happy modelling,

Mike

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Thanks Mike, the hussar scales did start at one side and hook onto one of the lion head bosses. Different design than the guards. Yours look great by the way. I can post a pic later.

Thanks

Colin