Images(3)

King Edward VII

Artist Alfred Drury (London, England, 1856 - 1944)

CarverCarved by James Philip (Granite mason)

Subject King Edward VII (Buckingham Palace, London, England, 1841 - 1910)

Date1910

Object NameSculpture

MediumGranite and bronze

ClassificationsSculptures

Dimensions302cm x 404cm

CopyrightOut of copyright

Object numberABDCC001066

About MeDesigned by Alfred Drury this monument stands in a semicircular space, enclosed by a balustrade of white granite. Plans for the site were devised by Mr William Dyack, Burgh Surveyor, embodying ideas suggested by Dr Marshall Mackenzie, ARSA. The contractor was Mr George Hall. The statue was carved carved in granite by James Philip in Arthur Taylor's Jute Street yard, working from a plaster cast of the full size clay model created by Drury.

The monument cost £3,500. It was funded by 400 subscribers, including Colonel Innes of Learney, who donated £920 towards its cost. It's location within the city was a subject of much discussion, and it was originally intended to stand where the War Memorial (Cowdray Hall) now stands. However in 1912, the decision was made to site it on the corner of Union Terrace and Union Street, subject to Royal approval for the removal of the statue of the Albert, the Prince Consort, which was moved to the triangular site at the other end of the Terrace. The Edward VII's statue was raised onto its dais on 28 October 1914 and unveiled by Lord Bryce on 31st of that month.

The monument comprises a full-length figure of King Edward VII in the robes of the Garter, holding the sceptre with the cross and the sovereign's orb. The figure is of white Kenya granite, the sceptre, orb and Order of the Garter are of bronze. The plinth, of pink polished Peterhead granite, has an entablature frieze of bronze ornament, the centre of which is a St Andrew's shield with the figure of the saint upon it. The plinth is flanked by two figure groups. "Peace", to the left is a seated female figure of Britannia breaking a sword. She is being crowned with a laurel wreath by a girl representing "Gratitude". On the right is a group of three figures, representing "Imperial Unity". The seated figure is Britannia, whose left arm encircles a figure emblematic of the Indian and African Peoples. A third figure - representing Canada and Australia - extends a hand of friendship to be kissed by "The Mother of Nations".