Statue of Benjamin Disraeli, Parliament Square facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Statue of Benjamin Disraeli |
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The statue in 2012
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| Artist | Mario Raggi |
| Year | 1883 |
| Medium | Bronze statue, red granite plinth |
| Subject | Benjamin Disraeli |
| Designation | Grade II |
| Location | London, United Kingdom |
| 51°30′02″N 0°07′38″W / 51.50064°N 0.12730°W | |
The statue of Benjamin Disraeli is a large bronze sculpture located in Parliament Square in London. It was made by an artist named Mario Raggi. The statue was first shown to the public in 1883. It is now a very important historical structure, called a Grade II listed building.
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Discover the Disraeli Statue
This memorial features a bronze statue of Benjamin Disraeli. He was a very important person who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. In the statue, he is wearing his special robes. These robes show he was the 1st Earl of Beaconsfield. The statue stands on a tall, red granite base.
What the Statue Looks Like
Right below the statue, the front of the base says "BEACONSFIELD". On the back of the base, you can read more information. It says "BENJAMIN DISRAELI / EARL OF BEACONSFIELD / K.G. / 1804 – 1881". This tells us his full name, his title, and the years he lived.
Who Made the Statue?
The artist who created this statue was Mario Raggi. Sometimes his name is spelled Mario Razzi or Rossi. The statue was cast, or shaped, from bronze by a company called H. Young & Co. They were art founders in Pimlico, London. Many people thought the statue looked very much like Disraeli. This is because Raggi had made a bust, or head sculpture, of him before Disraeli passed away.
Unveiling and Primrose Day
The statue was officially revealed on April 19, 1883. This date was exactly two years after Disraeli's death. Sir Stafford Northcote, who took over Disraeli's role as leader of the Conservative Party, unveiled it. This day became known as Primrose Day. For many years, people would place arrangements of primroses at the statue. Primroses were believed to be Disraeli's favorite flower. This tradition continued into the 1920s to remember him.
Where the Statue Stands
The statue was not always in its current spot. It was first placed on the south side of Parliament Square. It faced south towards St Margaret's, Westminster. In the 1950s, Parliament Square was changed and reorganized. The statue was then moved to its current location. Now, it stands on the west side of the square. It faces east towards the famous Houses of Parliament. In 1970, the statue was officially recognized as a Grade II listed building. This means it is a historically important structure that needs to be protected.
