Behold, the Statue of Sir Thomas Jackson, 1st Baronet. It stands here in Statue Square. This square has been a fixture in Hong Kong since the late 19th century. It honors British royalty and prominent citizens.
Statue Square was once called Royal Square. Many statues stood here. Most were of British Royalty. The only original statue remaining is Sir Thomas Jackson’s.
Let’s delve into the story behind this statue. It represents Sir Thomas Jackson. He was the chief manager of HSBC from 1876 to 1902. He played a key role in Hong Kong’s development.
The statue’s journey is quite interesting. It was unveiled in 1906. Sir Matthew Nathan, the Governor, did the honors. Originally, it faced the HSBC building.
Mario Raggi sculpted the bronze statue. After its unveiling, some people complained. They felt it didn’t capture Sir Jackson’s charm.
Look closely at the base. Notice the strange protruding floor tiles. These were added to prevent vandalism in the 60s.
During World War II, the Japanese invaded Hong Kong. They removed many statues to melt them down. But the Statue of Sir Thomas Jackson wasn’t removed. Or was it?
Conflicting reports exist. Some say it remained in Statue Square. Others claim it was discovered in Kobe, Japan. It was found among the Osaka Army’s arsenal. This discovery included bullet-damaged lion sculptures.
Sir Thomas Jackson was born in 1841. He died in 1915. He guided the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. He was chief manager from 1870 to 1902. People called him the bank’s “Great Architect”.
He earned the nickname “Lucky Jackson”. This reflected his intuition. He knew when to act quickly and boldly. In 1902, he received the hereditary title of Baronet.
Statue Square has changed over time. Originally, you could see Victoria Harbor. Now, buildings block the view.
The Statue of Sir Thomas Jackson has seen much history. It has witnessed colonial rule and war. It has also seen economic transformation. It remains a symbol of Hong Kong’s past.
Today, Statue Square is a pedestrian area. It is a place for gatherings. It is even a site for social and political protests. The Statue of Sir Thomas Jackson stands as a silent observer. It watches the ever-changing cityscape. It also watches the vibrant life of Hong Kong unfold around it.