The Bard’s gaze pierces through time. This is the William Shakespeare Statue in Leicester Square. It’s not just a statue it’s a London landmark. A Grade II listed monument it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the world’s most famous playwright.
This marble figure wasn’t always here. It’s a copy. A very fine copy. Sculptor Giovanni Fontana painstakingly recreated Peter Scheemakers’ 18th-century masterpiece. The original resides in Poets’ Corner Westminster Abbey. But this one? This one graces the heart of Leicester Square since 1874.
Financier Albert Grant commissioned it. He purchased the square. He transformed it into a beautiful garden. The statue became its centerpiece. Its placement wasn’t an accident. It was part of a grand redesign a thoughtful plan to enhance the square.
Notice the inscription on the pedestal. It’s not just decoration. It tells a story. A story of generosity and civic pride. It proudly states that Albert Grant gifted this beautiful space to the public. Forever. For the free use and enjoyment of everyone.
The scroll Shakespeare holds contains a quote. It’s from Twelfth Night. “There is no darkness but ignorance”. Clever isn’t it? A subtle difference from the original in Westminster Abbey. That one has a misquoted line from The Tempest.
Look closely. The statue in Leicester Square is not identical to the original. It omits portrait reliefs. Reliefs of Henry V Richard III and Elizabeth I. Those are absent from this version. This is a detail many visitors miss.
Over the years the William Shakespeare Statue has endured. It’s seen restoration. Cleaning. Improvements. In 2014 new water features were added. Jets of water dance around the base. They enhance the statue’s presence and create a lively ambiance. It’s a captivating spectacle especially at night.
So next time you are in Leicester Square pause. Look at the William Shakespeare Statue. Appreciate its beauty. Remember its history. It is more than just a statue. It is a living piece of London’s story. A symbol of enduring art and cultural legacy.