According to Greek legend, in his quest to recover the Golden Fleece, one of Jason’s challenges was to harness a pair of fire-breathing bulls, then sow and harvest a field before sundown. Gilbert Bayes’ choice of classical subject reflects his training at the Royal Academy Schools in London. Bayes is known for his sculptural reliefs for buildings and, particularly, for his designs for Royal Doulton stoneware. His best-known work for the company is the richly ornamented Queen of Time(1930) that is incorporated into Selfridge’s clock, on Oxford Street, London. Born in London, Bayes was the son of the painter/etcher Alfred Walter Bayes. His brother, Walter, and sister, Jessie, were also painters. He studied at the City and Guilds Technical College as well as the Royal Academy Schools and later in Paris. In 1931 Bayes was awarded the Royal Society of British Sculptors medal for the best work of the year. He was President of the Society from 1939 to 1944.