Edward VII Memorial

“A peacemaker?” you might ask, glancing at the imposing figure before us. The Edward VII Memorial, a bronze giant frozen in time, does exude an aura of power, not peace. Yet, this King Edward VII, son of Queen Victoria, earned that very title. This imposing memorial, a tribute to a king, stands proudly in the Queen Victoria Gardens. It’s a testament to the enduring connection between Australia and the British monarchy. While the statue depicts a monarch in full military regalia, Edward VII’s reign was marked by diplomacy and social reform, earning him the moniker, “the Peacemaker”. His early years were far from peaceful. He was a rebellious youth, much to Queen Victoria’s dismay. She even kept him from government positions. But Edward blossomed when given responsibility. He skillfully navigated England’s reconciliation with France. His reforms at home resonated with the people. Little wonder then that Melbourne sought to honor him after his death in 1910. The commission went to a rising star, sculptor Bertram Mackennal. The initial cost was £1867, a hefty sum at the time. The final price tag? Three times that! World War I further delayed the project. Finally, in 1920, this magnificent memorial, cast in London, was unveiled. Observe the detail, the regal bearing, the spirited horse. Mackennal captured not just the king’s physique, but his spirit, a spirit that, despite the uniform, sought peace and achieved it.