One set is in the museum at Lord’s cricket ground in London. Another, was offered at Canterbury Auction Galleries (20% buyer’s premium) on November 27.
Durham was a sculptor of Victorian royalty and celebrities and is best known for the gilded bronze statue of Prince Albert outside the Royal Albert Hall.
But he was particularly keen on sport. This set, dated 1863, depicts batsman, bowler and fielders and one lounging figure ‘waiting for his innings’ from his British Sporting Series.
The brown-patinated set, with the 16¼in (42cm) high tallest figure signed to the base, came from the home of the Dover home of the late Thomas Gould, a devotee of the game for over 60 years and one of the longest-serving members of MCC.
It led the two-day sale at Canterbury, selling on the lower £10,000 estimate.
