Rare 1950 the Mudlark Irene Dunne Queen Victoria Solid Bronze Movie Plaque Paperweight, 20th Century Fox Memorabilia

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A fascinating piece of Golden Age Hollywood memorabilia, this rare solid bronze commemorative plaque was created in connection with Irene … Read more A fascinating piece of Golden Age Hollywood memorabilia, this rare solid bronze commemorative plaque was created in connection with Irene Dunne’s portrayal of Queen Victoria in the 1950 Twentieth Century-Fox production The Mudlark. An unusually substantial object, it combines the appeal of classic cinema memorabilia with the sculptural quality of a finely modeled bronze portrait.

The oval plaque features a handsome raised profile of Queen Victoria as portrayed by Irene Dunne, surrounded by the inscriptions identifying The Mudlark, Twentieth Century-Fox, and Irene Dunne. The deeply modeled relief, warm bronze surface, and naturally developed patina give the piece wonderful visual depth. At just over a pound, it has enough weight and substance to function beautifully as a desk paperweight, while its striking portrait design also makes it an impressive display object.

There is particularly strong provenance for identifying the piece: Christie’s has documented an example of this same commemorative plaque, describing it as made for Irene Dunne’s role as Queen Victoria in The Mudlark and recording virtually identical dimensions.

Released in 1950, The Mudlark was a Twentieth Century-Fox production directed by Jean Negulesco and based on Theodore Bonnet’s 1949 novel. Set in Victorian England, the story follows Wheeler, an impoverished young scavenger along the Thames who discovers a cameo of Queen Victoria and becomes determined to meet her. His journey ultimately brings him to Windsor Castle and into the orbit of the reclusive Queen and Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. Alec Guinness portrayed Disraeli, with young Andrew Ray playing Wheeler. The film was produced in England and had its world premiere in London on October 30, 1950.

Irene Dunne was one of the major American film stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, and her casting as the British monarch initially attracted attention in Britain. Turner Classic Movies notes that Dunne undertook extensive research and worked on her British accent in preparation for the role. She was only 49 at the time and underwent lengthy daily makeup sessions to transform her into the elderly Queen Victoria.

The plaque measures approximately 4 inches deep by 3.5 inches wide and 0.50 inch thick and weighs just over 1 pound. Its remarkable weight reinforces the substantial quality of its solid bronze construction. Good antique condition with untouched dark surface patina. Please review the photos for further condition assessment.

For collectors of classic Hollywood memorabilia, Irene Dunne, Queen Victoria, vintage cinema, or Twentieth Century-Fox history, this is an exceptionally unusual piece. Unlike the posters, photographs, and lobby cards more commonly associated with vintage films, this substantial sculptural bronze was conceived as a lasting commemorative object—making it an intriguing survivor from one of Hollywood's most glamorous periods. See less