Arthur Sullivan Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arthur Sullivan Memorial |
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| Artist | William Goscombe John |
| Completion date | 1903 |
| Type | Sculpture |
| Medium | bronze and granite |
| Subject | Arthur Sullivan |
| Location | London |
| 51°30′33″N 0°07′13″W / 51.5093°N 0.1203°W | |
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Listed Building – Grade II
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| Official name | Sir Arthur Sullivan Memorial |
| Designated | 24 February 1958 |
| Reference no. | 1238072 |
The Memorial to Arthur Sullivan is a special statue in Victoria Embankment Gardens in the heart of London. It was created by the artist William Goscombe John. This memorial was officially recognized as a Grade II listed structure in 1958. This means it's an important historical building or monument that needs to be protected.
History of the Memorial
Sir Arthur Seymour Sullivan (born May 13, 1842 – died November 22, 1900) was a famous English composer. He is best known for the many funny operas he wrote with W. S. Gilbert. Their shows were very popular!
Before he passed away in 1900, Sullivan wanted to be buried with his family. They were in Brompton Cemetery in West London. However, Queen Victoria had a different idea. She ordered that he be buried in St Paul's Cathedral. This is a very important church in London.
In 1903, a memorial was put up for him. It stands in Victoria Embankment Gardens. This spot is close to the Savoy Theatre. Many of Sullivan and Gilbert's operas were first performed there.
The person who made the statue was Sir William Goscombe John. He made the top part of the statue, which is a bust (head and shoulders) of Sullivan. It is made of bronze. John later added a sad-looking woman to the statue. He had sculpted this figure earlier in Paris. People think this figure represents "Grief" (sadness) or Euterpe. Euterpe is the Greek goddess of music.
What the Memorial Looks Like
The memorial has a bronze bust of Arthur Sullivan. This bust sits on a tall base, called a pedestal, made of granite. There is also a bronze figure of a woman. She looks like she is crying and leans against the pedestal. Her lower body is covered in drapery, which means flowing cloth.
The pedestal also has words from one of Gilbert and Sullivan's operas. It's from The Yeomen of the Guard, which came out in 1888. The words say: "Is life a boon? / If so, it must befall / That Death, whene'er he call, / Must call too soon."
At the very bottom of the memorial, there is another bronze sculpture. It shows an open book of music. You can also see the masks of Comedy and Tragedy. These masks are symbols for plays and acting. There is also a mandolin, which is a musical instrument.
The front of the pedestal has a curved stone. It shows Sullivan's name and the dates he was born and died. This whole memorial is a Grade II listed structure. This means it's a special part of history.
Images for kids
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George Power, Leonora Braham, Jessie Bond and Julia Gwynne at the memorial in 1914
