Think of the Festival of Britain in 1951. The London Pride sculpture before you is directly linked to that event. Frank Dobson, a celebrated sculptor, was commissioned to create a piece for the festival.
The London Pride depicts two life-size female nudes seated together. Originally, Dobson titled it Leisure. He later renamed it London Pride to celebrate the Festival of Britain. He intended for the bowl between the figures to be planted with Saxifraga urbium. This plant is commonly known as London Pride.
Dobson was a significant figure in British sculpture. Born in London in 1886, he initially studied painting. He shifted to sculpture around 1914 inspired by modern art movements. His style evolved into a voluptuous classicism. He famously said he liked his gals round and full.
This sculpture was not originally cast in bronze. Dobson created the original models in clay. Due to budget constraints, they were cast in plaster. The sculpture was placed at the entrance to the Royal Festival Hall. It was a highlight of the Festival.
The Times art correspondent praised the work. They noted its effective, natural stylization. After the Festival, the plaster sculptures were stored away.
In 1986, Dobson’s widow requested the Arts Council to recast them in bronze. The Morris Singer Foundry completed the casting. Funding came from the Henry Moore Foundation and Lynton Property & Reversionary PLC. The bronze sculptures were unveiled here in September 1987.
The slate platform beneath the London Pride bears an inscription. David Kindersley carved the words. It commemorates Frank Dobson and the Festival of Britain. It also acknowledges the contributions of Mary Dobson and the funding organizations.
The London Pride sculpture is 2.14 meters tall. It shows the artist’s technique. Dobson built up the forms by applying and molding small pieces of clay. Look closely at the rough modeling.
Dobson was head of sculpture at the Royal College of Art. He served in the Artists Rifles during World War One. His work bridges traditionalism and abstraction.
The Festival of Britain was a pivotal moment. It promoted public art. It influenced the London County Council’s later Patronage of the Arts scheme. The Royal Festival Hall is one of the few permanent elements of the Festival that still remains today.
The South Bank was transformed into a cultural destination. Today, the London Pride stands as a reminder of that event. It propelled the South Bank into the UK’s largest arts center. This sculpture embodies a moment of stillness. It is a poised observation amidst the mania of London life. The Grade II listed London Pride sculpture represents artistic achievement. It also embodies historical significance. It serves as a tribute to Frank Dobson’s vision and a nation’s pride.