SMM+S

Adam Brown · Last edited by Adam Brown on Thu Jun 02, 2011 12:43 pm; edited 1 time in total

The Prince Consort National Memorial
Location: Charlotte Square
OS Ref: NT 247 738
Sculptor: Sir John Steell (for Albert) Other work by Brodie, Clark, McCallum, Stanton and Stevenson
Architect:David Bryce
Unveiled: 26th August 1876 by Queen Victoria

The Gardens in Charlotte Square are locked so I have been unable to get closer photographs of this memorial. I assume the gardens are in the care of the City because the memorial is under the care of the City. During the festival the gardens are open as part of the Book Festival so it may be possible to get some close ups then.

You can barely make them out but the statues around the Peterhead granite base represent Labour, the Army and Navy, Learning and Science, and the Nobility

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Scottish War Memorials Project
Scottish War Graves Project

Adam Brown · Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 1:07 am Post subject:

From the Council's website

The Prince Consort Memorial

This elaborate equestrian bronze statue was built as a Scottish National Memorial for Prince Albert, the Prince Consort, who died in 1861.

Conceived and built by public subscription at a total cost of £16,500, it was designed by David Bryce, and built between 1870 and 1876. It was inaugurated in August 1876 in the presence of Queen Victoria who knighted sculptor Sir John Steell at the opening ceremony.

A figure in Highland regalia with bearskin cap* in hand paying respect to the Prince Consort is probably John Brown, the ghillie who befriended Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

*Note: Guards and Fusiliers wore bearskins, Highlanders wore feather bonnets. I haven't got a close up image but it is unlikely to be a bearskin.
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Scottish War Memorials Project
Scottish War Graves Project

Adam Brown · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2010 7:50 pm Post subject:

Some close-up photographs taken whilst Charlotte Square is given over to the Book Festival.

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Scottish War Memorials Project
Scottish War Graves Project

Adam Brown · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2010 7:51 pm Post subject:

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Scottish War Memorials Project
Scottish War Graves Project

Adam Brown · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2010 7:58 pm Post subject:

From Historic Scotland

http://hsewsf.sedsh.gov.uk/hslive/hsstart?P_HBNUM=27840

Description:
David Bryce, 1873; statue by Sir John Steell, 1870-76. Standing at centre of Charlotte Square gardens. Plinth of Peterhead granite with corner groups of figures by D W Stevenson, Clark Stanton and William Brodie; on 3rd stage bas-reliefs by Brodie and Handyside Ritchie. Principal bronze equestrian statue of Albert in field marshall's uniform.

WALLS AND RAILINGS: ashlar footings and stepped embankments surrounding octagonal garden. Cast-iron railings with anthemion motifs, 1947.

References:
BUILDER 17 September 1870, 1 June 1872. Rupert Gunnis DICTIONARY OF BRITISH SCULPTORS 1660-1851 New edition pp370, 62. Gifford, McWilliam and Walker EDINBURGH (1988) pp293-4. A J Youngson THE MAKING OF CLASSICAL EDINBURGH (1966) p93. Valerie Fiddes and Alistair Rowan
MR DAVID BRYCE 1803-1876 (1976) p101. Dean of Guild plans 31 January 1873.

Notes:
A circular garden had been laid out by William Weir in 1808; this was enlarged to an octagon in 1873. Steell was knighted at the unveiling in 1876. Brodie's relief is entitled 'A Peer and his Lady doing Homage'.

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Scottish War Memorials Project
Scottish War Graves Project