United Kingdom

Statues - Hither & Thither

Site Search:
London
London

Greater London

Marlborough Road (SW1)

Queen Alexandra Memorial

Alexandra of Denmark
Copenhagen 1844 - Sandringham House, Norfolk 1925
wife of King Edward VII
(Wikipedia)
Alfred Gilbert
A.B. Burton (Thames Ditton)
1926-32

London /  Queen Alexandra Memorial   London /  Queen Alexandra Memorial

Description

Sculpture of crowned woman sitting on a large throne holding a youn boy in front of her. At her sides sit two crowned women. The symbolism of this group is explained by Gilbert in an exegesis he prepared for the Committee in 1927, where he wrote that it

represents "Love Enthroned", supported by Faith and Hope, on either side, and Love is directing a Boy sent out across the "River of Life", which springs from beneath Her Throne - symbolizing Queen Alexandra's charity to Children, also the water typifies Her advent to Great Britain from across the water.
On the armrests of the throne are two small statuettes, probably also representing faith and hope.

London - Queen Alexandra Memorial London - Queen Alexandra Memorial

Sir John Foster Fraser wrote a report on the unveiling (Aberdeen Press and Journal, Thursday 09 June 1932):

The first look of the memorial brought a feeling of disappointment. Inspected from across the road it was heavy and dark and confused, suggesting one of the great bronze doors to an Italian cathedral, except that there were heavy lanterns on either side and below it was the gentle trickle of water. It was a close-up view that showed the symbolism of the design and the beauty of the workmanship. Beneath a Byzantine cross is a sad but lovely-faced woman saint holding to her a suffering child, while crouching, touching the hem of her garment, are two other figures acknowledging love and charity. So the characteristics of Queen Alexandra are immortalised.

Inscription(s)

QUEEN ALEXANDRA
1844 A TRIBUTE OF THE EMPIRE S LOVE 1925
FAITH, HOPE, LOVE
THE GUIDING VIRTUES OF QUEEN ALEXANDRA

Since the Old English font in capitals is hard to read (just as on the monument) follows here te text in normal font:

QUEEN ALEXANDRA
1844 A TRIBUTE OF THE EMPIRE S LOVE 1925
FAITH, HOPE, LOVE
THE GUIDING VIRTUES OF QUEEN ALEXANDRA

Signature

a.b. burton founder

Sculptor

Sources & Information

Tags

  • Country: Great Britain
  • Alexandra of Denmark
  • Boy
  • Burton (Thames Ditton), A.B.
  • Faith (Fides)
  • Gilbert, Alfred
  • Hope (Spes)
  • Love
  • Locatie (N 51°30'16" - W 0°8'12") (Satellite view: Google Maps)

    Item Code: gblo194; Photograph: 18 March 2019
    Of each statue we made photos from various angles and also detail photos of the various texts.
    If you want to use photos, please contact us via the contact form (in Dutch, English or German).
    © Website and photos: René & Peter van der Krogt

    Bronzefiguren Kaufen

    Your banner here? Click for information.