“Philosopher’s Gong”

"Philosopher's Gong" Tony Simpson (bio) and Andrew G. Bone Click for larger view View full resolution [End Page 112] Click for larger view View full resolution This silver relief medallion (diameter: 74 mm) was designed by eminent French sculptor and medallist Henri-Albert Lagriffoul (1907–1981), perhaps best known for his "Marianne" bust on centime coins of various denominations first struck in 1962. In sending Russell the copy now held by the Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation, Paul Dehaye of France's Administration des Monnaies et Médailles indicated that the cast was "one of the very first" (14 Dec. 1966, ra2 710). It seems incongruous that even such a neutral arm of the French state as its mint was party to this tribute commissioned by the amateur Medallion Club of France. After all, Russell would shortly be barred by President de Gaulle from convening his Vietnam War Crimes Tribunal in France—the former colonial power in Indochina. In noting this prohibition, The Observer's "Pendennis" also commented sniffily that collectors could buy Lagriffoul's representation of "Britain's wisest fool" for c.30 shillings in bronze or c.£11 in silver ("Philosopher's Gong", 23 April 1967, p. 39). The obverse inscription commits the commonplace error of titling Russell not as a peer but as a younger son of a duke or marquess. The reverse translates from one of his 1918 prison letters: "I am free, and the world shall be [also]" (Auto. 2: 94). [End Page 113] Tony Simpson Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation tonysimpson@russfound.org Andrew G. Bone Russell Research Centre / McMaster U. bone@mcmaster.ca Tony Simpson tony simpson is director of the Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation and editor of The Spokesman. Copyright © 2024 Bertrand Russell Research Centre, McMaster University