How about a dash of British history right here? We are standing before the Victoria Memorial. It is more than just a monument. The Victoria Memorial tells a story of an era and a queen.
The Victoria Memorial was designed by Sir Thomas Brock in 1901. However it was unveiled on May 16 1911. Yet it wasn’t fully completed until 1924. It stands proudly at the end of The Mall. Buckingham Palace provides a fitting backdrop.
King Edward VII wanted a grand memorial for his mother Queen Victoria. Following her death in 1901 a joint Parliamentary committee was formed. They decided it should be monumental. The government did not provide any grant for its construction.
Funding came from across the British Empire. Public donations also helped. Australia contributed generously. New Zealand also sent funds. Even tribes from the west coast of Africa contributed.
More money was raised than needed. The extra funds went towards Admiralty Arch. The funds were also used for redeveloping Trafalgar Square. Sir Aston Webb managed these projects. He even re-fronted Buckingham Palace with the remaining money.
Look closely at the Victoria Memorial. The central pylon is Pentelic marble. The statues are Lasa marble and gilt bronze. The entire memorial weighs 2300 tonnes. It is 32 meters in diameter.
At the top is a gilded bronze Winged Victory. She stands on a globe. She holds a victor’s palm. Below her are Constancy and Courage. Constancy holds a compass pointing north. Courage holds a club. Eagles with outstretched wings represent Empire.
Queen Victoria sits enthroned facing The Mall. Motherhood faces Buckingham Palace. Justice faces Green Park. Truth faces southeast. These statues are solid marble. The statue of Truth was sculpted from a 40-tonne block.
Sir Thomas Brock said the Victoria Memorial represents Queen Victoria’s great qualities. He felt she always sought truth and justice. He also wanted to show her great love for her people.
At each corner are bronze figures with lions. They represent Peace, Progress, Agriculture, and Manufacture. New Zealand gifted the bases of Agriculture and Manufacture. The Victoria Memorial is the tallest monument to a British monarch. It stands at almost 25 meters.
The Victoria Memorial has a nautical theme. Mermaids mermen and hippogriffs decorate it. These suggest the United Kingdom’s naval power.
The Victoria Memorial has seen many events. In 2002 it was part of the Golden Jubilee fireworks display. Water jets shot 12 meters into the air. In 2012 the Victoria Memorial was the stage for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert. Performers included Elton John and Paul McCartney. The Victoria Memorial also marked the end of the 2012 Olympics parade.
Even today the Victoria Memorial stands as a testament. It honors Queen Victoria’s reign. It reflects the values of her era. Take a moment to appreciate its grandeur and symbolism.