GERALD BENNEY AND DAVID WYNNE
A 22ct. gold 'Wild Life' medallion, in a pendant mount, of circular form, depicting the face of an adult male gorilla with the title MAN HOLDS THE FATE OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM IN HIS HANDS, the reverse depicting two blue whales with a whaling ship above, maker's mark for Gerald Benney and hallmarked for London 1972, 5.6cm. dia, weight of medallion and mount 133.8 grams.
This medal was created by the sculpture David Wynne in collaboration with Gerald Benney, It was minted by Johnson Matthey & Co. Ltd, from dies cut by the Royal Mint.
These medallions were sold in aid of World Wildlife Fund.
Text to go under photo:
Jenny Hanley, c.1970, wearing the medallion with Guy the gorilla at London Zoo.
Text to go on photo in white italics:
'So proud to wear my Wild Life Medal actually in front of the model - Guy the gorilla at London Zoo!
I was lucky enough to count Gerald Benney, and his family, as a friend. As the only professor of precious metallurgy he was famous for his textured gold and silver pieces, so when I commissioned him to make me something to show off my black opals, I challenged him to make a bracelet and ring to look like suede. He did! I've loved all my Benney pieces but it's time for someone else to enjoy them'
Jenny Hanley