Alexander Munro

The Butler Family

Overall the condition of the plaster is good. There is some dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There has been some minor restoration to the upper lip and the front right corner of the base.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Alexander Munro met George and Josephine Butler when he was working on the statues for the Oxford Museum. The couple became friendly with the sculptor and Josephine recalled 'Munro worked not infrequently on the clay models of portrait busts he was engaged with'. Munro completed three different portraits of Josephine. The marble version of this portrait is in the collection of Girton College Cambridge.

Josephine Butler was a passionate social reformer and led the  Ladies' National Association for the Repeal of the Contagious Diseases Acts, which sought to defend women accused of prostitution from being detained in a Lock Hospital. She also campaigned to defend children from abuse. Butler was a fervent Christian as well as a feminist and famously declared: 'God and one woman make a majority.' She is celebrated in the Church of England with a Lesser Festival on 30th May.

RELATED LITERATURE
B. Read & J. Barnes, Pre-Raphaelite Sculpture, London, 1991, no. 24, p. 114