1893 - The Statue of Queen Victoria sculpted by her daughter Princess Louise, The Duchess of Argyll was unveiled in the presence of Queen Victoria at Kensington Palace.The statue was commissioned by the Kensington Golden Jubilee Memorial Executive Committee, who sought design proposals. Princess Louise was reluctant to take up a commission to sculpt her mother but was persuaded to make a model by her friend, the artist Lawrence Alma-Tadema. She submitted her entry anonymously, and was selected by the judging panel. Princess Louise was a resident at Kensington Palace and sculpted the statue at her studio there. The statue was created from white marble on a Portland stone base and depicts an 18-year-old Queen Victoria seated in her coronation robes, resembling the painting of Victoria at her coronation by Sir George Hayter.
Next two images taken by me on a visit to Kensington Palace. Second one is looking back at the statue from the entrance to the Palace.
Illustration of the unveiling ceremony of the statue and entry from Queen Victoria's Journal: "At ½ p. 4, started with Beatrice, Liko & Marie L. for London, the Equerries & 4 Ladies in attendance, the other Gentlemen having gone on before. Got out at the Addison Rd Station & drove in an open landau with 4 horses to Kensington. My old native town was beautifully decorated, though, unfortunately just when we were in the middle of the High Street, a most violent storm, almost like a water spout came on & we had to shut the carriage. We drove up the Broad Walk to the spot opposite the front of Kensington Palace where stood the statue which was to be unveiled, the statue of me in my coronation robes, done by Louise, & erected by the inhabitants of Kensington in memory of my Jubilee. Several tents were put up, all the members of my family, & a great number of people were present, & there was a Guard of Honour & a Band. Almost directly after I arrived, the rain ceased & I was able to have the carriage opened. Sir A. Borthwick M. P. for Kensington read a very nice address, to which I answered to following: "I thank you sincerely for this loyal address, & for the kind wish to commemorate my Jubilee by the erection of a statue of myself on the spot where I was born & lived till my accession. It is a great pleasure to me to be here on this occasion in my dear old Home, & to witness the unveiling of this fine statue so admirably designed & executed by my beloved Daughter". Mr Glyn, the Vicar, read an address from the parishioners of Westminster. Bertie performed the unveiling ceremony, after which Lorne presented a number of Gentlemen to me. The statue stands beautifully with its back to the private garden of the Palace & facing the Round Pond. Took tea with Louise & Lorne, before coming back & got home at 7."
Re: On This Day
Posted by Martha on June 28, 2025, 9:43 am, in reply to "On This Day"
I didn't know Louise designed the sculpture!
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Re: On This Day
Posted by Karen on June 28, 2025, 10:29 am, in reply to "Re: On This Day"
Not only designed it, but also created it. More of her work can be found in the link. Of all the children of Queen Victoria she was the most artistic and talented of them.
