Who created it?

George Bullock / orig. Gerard Johnson

What is it made of?

Plaster

Artist Biography

George Bullock’s bust is a plaster copy of a blue limestone sculpture of Shakespeare carved by Gerard Johnson. Johnson’s original bust was created soon after Shakespeare’s death in 1616, and is on display in Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon.

About the Picture

This bust of Shakespeare is a plaster copy based on one created during the lifetime of people who knew Shakespeare. The original bust (in Holy Trinity Church) was made while Shakespeare’s widow and daughters were alive, so it is thought to be one of the truest likenesses.

Do you think it is a flattering portrait of Shakespeare? Talk about the similarities and differences with the other portraits of Shakespeare that you have seen.

Try this…

Portraits can be sculptures as well as paintings, so why not have a go at creating your own 3D portrait? Ideas include using damp sand in a sand tray or sandpit, modelling clay or salt dough and even LEGO. You can find out how to make a LEGO Shakespeare using the resources on the Shakespeare Week website (from February 2020).