Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Wyon, Benjamin
WYON, BENJAMIN (1802–1858), chief engraver of the seals, born in John Street, Blackfriars, London, on 9 Jan. 1802, was the second son of Thomas Wyon the elder [q. v.] He received instruction from his elder brother, Thomas Wyon the younger [q. v.], and in 1821 gained the gold medal of the Society of Arts for a medal die of figures. He also gained the silver medal of the Royal Academy for a die with the head of Apollo.
On 10 Jan. 1831 he was appointed chief engraver of the seals and made the great seal of William IV. He subsequently produced many medals, his signature being ‘B. Wyon’ and ‘Benj. Wyon.’ He died on 21 Nov. 1858. He was the father of Joseph Shepherd Wyon [q. v.], Alfred Benjamin Wyon, and Mr. Allan Wyon. Among Wyon's medals may be mentioned: 1821, Visit of George IV to Ireland (obverse only); 1831, Opening of London Bridge; 1832, Passing of Reform Bill; 1834, Foundation of City of London School; 1842, Pollock Prize Medals; 1849, Opening of London Coal Exchange; 1851, Shakespeare Prize, City of London School; 1855, Visits of the Emperor of the French and of the King of Sardinia to the Guildhall, London.
[Gent. Mag. 1859, i. 97, 110; Daily News, 25 Nov. 1858; Wyon's Great Seals, p. 190; Welch's Numismata Londinensia; Frazer's Medallists of Ireland.]