Standing three metres high, this bronze statue depicts Queen Victoria seated on a sandstone throne, atop a tall triangular sandstone pedestal.
The Statue was found by Neil Glasser at a farmhouse in Dangan, Ireland. The statue of Queen Victoria had been in storage since being removed from its original location in front of Leinster House, the seat of the Irish Parliament in Dublin. The statue had been the centrepiece of several sculptured figures and had occupied the position outside Leinster House from 1907 until the granting of Irish independence in 1947.
Following negotiations including discussions within the Irish Cabinet, Ireland emerged as the only country willing to part with ‘the Queen’. The statue was eventually offered to the City of Sydney as a gesture of goodwill from the Government and People of Ireland on a ‘loan until recalled’ basis.
The sculptor John Hughes was born in Dublin in 1865 and died in 1941.The statue was installed outside the front of the Queen Victoria Building during restorations in the 1980s.
Love your piece of history. I am not amazed that the Irish didn't want to keep the statue of a British monarch. There was too much trouble between the two 'people' in the past.
A gorgeous majestic statue , so much detail in her troubled face and the drape of her gown . Super POV Annie , as you look up at the great Royal figure depicting her greatness and towers over you !
The sculpture is certainly one with history and character. I don't think I have ever seen her smiling in any artwork I've seen. But then she carried a heavy mantle of leadership at a time when it was uncommon for a woman to do so. Great shot!
@dibzgreasley i will google " happy Queen Victoria " and let you know when I find something ha!
@sangwann i am not up on the history ....must look into it
@888rachel thanks Rach ....:)
@beryl that is the feeling i had Beryl :)
i learn new things too
Nice tones though