The photo below shows the slightly rumpled bust of an unknown man. It was found on Baker’s Flat at some time in the last few years. It’s not very big, about 7 cm tall, and I’m assuming at this stage that it’s nineteenth century. Any takers for who it might be? After extensive research on Google images and the web (!), I’m thinking that it could be Gladstone, Prime Minister of Britain four times in the mid to late nineteenth century, and a supporter of Home Rule for Ireland.

Mystery metal man. Possibly Gladstone?

The photo below is definitely Gladstone. This is a statue located in Manchester city centre. It’s a bit hard to get the same perspective, because the bust shown above was easy to photograph on a table, whereas the one below is on a plinth much taller than me, and the staute is bigger than lifesize. Hence, I get a good view up his nose! Both share the same hair, cravats and high collars. But these are common styles of the day, and I remain unsure if my mystery metal man is really Gladstone. Your thoughts?

William Ewart Gladstone – statue in Albert Square, Manchester