Edmund Burke (Thomas) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Edmund Burke |
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| Artist | James Havard Thomas |
| Year | 1894, second cast 1922 |
| Type | Bronze |
| Dimensions | 240 cm × 100 cm × 100 cm (96 in × 39.5 in × 39.5 in) |
| Location | Bristol, England; Washington, D.C. |
| Owner | National Park Service (in US) |
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Edmund Burke
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Washington, D.C.
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| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Area | less than one acre |
| Part of | American Revolution Statuary. |
| NRHP reference No. | 78000256 |
| Added to NRHP | July 14, 1978 |
The Edmund Burke statue is a bronze sculpture of an important historical figure. It shows Edmund Burke, who was an Irish statesman, writer, speaker, and thinker. The statue was created by the British artist James Havard Thomas.
There are two versions of this statue. The first one is in Bristol, England. A second copy is located in Washington, D.C., United States. You can find it on Massachusetts Avenue at 11th and "L" Streets, NW.
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What Does the Edmund Burke Statue Look Like?
This statue shows Edmund Burke standing up straight. He is taking a step forward with his right leg. His right hand is waving, and he holds a three-cornered hat in his left hand.
Burke is dressed in clothes from his time. He wears a long jacket, a vest, and short pants called breeches. His hair is curly and parted in the middle, just above his ears.
About the Washington D.C. Statue
The statue in Washington, D.C., stands on a large rectangular base made of granite. This base is about 72 inches tall and 92 inches wide.
When Was the Washington D.C. Statue Made?
The sculpture itself is signed by the artist, I. Havard Thomas. It says it was made in 1894. The Washington D.C. copy was cast, or made, in 1922 by H.H. Martyn & Co. Ltd. in Cheltenham.
What Do the Inscriptions Say?
The front of the statue's base has a special message. It reads: BVRKE 1729–1797 "MAGNANIMITY IN POLITICS IS NOT SELDOM THE TRVEST WISDOM"
This quote means that being generous and noble in politics is often the smartest way to act.
The back of the base also has an inscription. It tells the story of how the statue came to Washington, D.C.: THIS STATVE A COPY OF THE WORK OF HAVARD THOMAS IN THE CITY OF BRISTOL ENGLAND WAS PRESENT- ED THROVGH THE SVL- GRAVE INSTITVTION TO THE PEOPLE OF AMERICA BY SIR CHARLES CHEERS WAKEFIELD BARONET FORMERLY LORD MAYOR OF LONDON ERECTED A.D. 1922
This means the statue is a copy of the one in Bristol, England. It was given to the American people by Sir Charles Cheers Wakefield. He was once the Lord Mayor of London. The statue was put up in 1922.
When Was the Statue Dedicated?
The Washington, D.C., statue was officially presented on October 12, 1922. It was a gift from Sir Charles Cheers Wakefield.
In September 1922, a temporary base was built for the statue by Frederick D. Owen. The statue was moved around 1922–1923 because of courthouse renovations. The permanent base was built in June 1923 by Horace W. Peaslee. The stone work was done by New England Granite Works.
Is the Statue a Historic Landmark?
Yes, the Edmund Burke statue is part of the American Revolution Statuary in Washington, D.C. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since July 1978. This means it is recognized as an important historical item.
In 1993, the Smithsonian's Save Outdoor Sculpture! program checked on the statue. They found it was "well maintained," meaning it was in good condition.
Gallery
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A full view of the statue from an angle.
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A close-up view of the statue.
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The inscription on the front of the statue's base.
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The inscription on the back of the statue's base.
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The sculptor's signature and details about who cast the statue.
