King Edward VII Statue

Public Art: Statue of King Edward VII

Sculptor: © Sir Thomas Brock

Date Erected: 1922

Description: Large bronze equestrian statue on massive trachyte pedestal and base.

Location: Near Conservatorium of Music on Macquarie St, Sydney, Australia.

Commissioned by: The King Edward Memorial Executive Committee of New South Wales. The committee raised money through public subscriptions and a £1 500 donation from the Municipal Council, the Executive raised £7 500 for the construction of the statue.

History: King Edward VII was a popular monarch and was often referred to as the "peacemaker". He was born on 9th November 1841. Being the first born of Queen Victoria he was destined to succeeded her when she died. She must have been a healthy monach because Edward had to wait until he was almost 60 before he came to the throne (he still holds the record for being the longest heir apparent, but Charles is coming a close second!). Queen Victoria died in 1901, but due to sickness (appendicitis) and the ending of the Boar War it meant that the King's coronation was delayed until 1902.
During his reign King Edward was a popular soul, despite his indescretions with numerous women. Unfortunately his reign was short lived, dying on May the 9th, 1910 surrounded by his family and the Archbishop of Canterbury. His death was a result of a bad dose of Bronchitis and heart failure. King Edward VII left behind his wife Alexandra and six children.

Interesting Facts: The King Edward Memorial Executive Committee were adamant that the sculptor appointed to create the statue had the appropriate criteria -  'It being desirable the Sculptor should be a man of British race as well as of high qualifications, it is felt necessary to go to London - the centre of Empire Art.' A tad melodramatic but nether the less they appointed Thomas Brock in 1915, who was also responsible for the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace.

The completion of the statue was delayed due to World War I, but was eventually delivered in 1921.

The Edwardian period was named in honour of this king.

Crazy Facts: King Edward VII's nickname was "Tum Tum" because he was rather portly (fat).

Well I Never ! : One of the king's last mistress's was believed to have been socialite Alice Keppel, none other than Camilla Parker Bowles great grandmother (apples don't fall far...). Rumour has it Camilla's grandmother, Sonia Keppel, was the illegitimate daughter of Edward. That will give you something to think about next time you see the Edward VII statue.

Keeping it All in the Family :

 
       Prince Albert                Queen Victoria  

              (Dad)                            (Mom)