The Art Union of London was founded in 1837. Its purpose was to foster interest in the arts and to encourage British artists and the makers of decorative objects. Members paid an annual subscription of one guinea for which they received an engraving. They were also entered into a drawing for prizes. A series of medals was planned in 1842 with one of its aims being to encourage an interest in medallic art. About thirty medals were struck in silver to be offered as prizes in the drawing. Bronze examples were available to subscribers as an alternative to the print. Although at its height membership exceeded 20,000, very few subscribers opted to receive a medal in preference to a print. Mintages of bronze examples are estimated to be in the region of about 200, with later issues being scarcer than the earlier ones. The medals and information about their design and striking are described in detail in a paper by G.K. Beaulah published in the British Numismatic Journal in 1967.