Important pair of composition stone mid-19th century gate pier eagles by the famous sculptors "Austin & Seeley", England, circa 1860. The eagles with outstretched wings and standing on rocky outcrops are beautifully weathered with lichens and mosses.

Felix Austin, a sculptor, started manufacturing in composition stone in the late 1820’s in London. Sometime between 1836 and 1843, Austin went into partnership with another sculptor, John Seeley. The quality of their composition stone is excellent and it can easily be mistaken for natural stone. Examples of their urns and statuary are highly sought after.

Antique English composition stone Royal Coat of Arms, attributed to Austin & Seeley, circa 1850, on an associated stone base.

Felix Austin, a sculptor, started manufacturing in composition stone around the late 1820's in London. Sometime between 1836 and 1843, Austin went into partnership with another sculptor, John Seeley. The quality of their composition stone is excellent and it can easily be mistaken for natural stone.

Austin and Seeley modeled most of their own pieces, for both of them were sculptors. They exhibited at the Great Exhibition in 1851. Examples of their work can be seen on the grounds of many palaces and stately homes throughout Britain. They are believed to have continued production of their pieces until 1872.

An English lead figure of young Bacchus holding a branch of grapes above his head and standing against a clump of flowers on a round base, semi-draped with a robe around his middle and over his right shoulder. This is a charming example of the kind of lead figure work that became popular in English gardens towards the end of the nineteenth century with the encouragement of influential garden designers of the era, such as Gertrude Jeykll and Edwin Lutyens. Bacchus was the Roman god of wine and symbolic of merriment and careless love, and has long been a popular subject for garden statuary. Circa 1885.

Antique English Cotswold stone pedestal with four stepped inset panels. Nicely weathered with lichens and mosses. Circa 1900.

Important signed terracotta figure of Venus leaning on a plinth exhibiting traces of floral decorative work and beautifully draped in classical dress with her hair bound in a ribbon. Stamped "Farnley Co". England, circa 1850.