Queen Alexandra Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Queen Alexandra Memorial |
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| Artist | Sir Alfred Gilbert |
| Year | 1926–1932 |
| Dimensions | 575 cm × 540 cm × 180 cm (226 in × 210 in × 71 in) |
| Location | London SW1 |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Official name | Queen Alexandra Memorial |
| Designated | 5 February 1970 |
| Reference no. | 1239703 |
The Queen Alexandra Memorial is a beautiful monument in London. It honors Alexandra of Denmark, who was Queen of the United Kingdom. Sir Alfred Gilbert, a famous sculptor, created this memorial between 1926 and 1932.
It's made of bronze and features special figures that represent ideas. The memorial is built into the garden wall of Marlborough House. It's a late example of the Art Nouveau style, which was popular for its flowing lines and natural shapes. The sculptor himself called it his "Swan song", meaning it was one of his last major works.
The Artist Behind the Memorial
Sir Alfred Gilbert faced some challenges before creating this memorial. Before 1926, he lived outside Britain. He had left in 1901 after having trouble finishing a tomb for the Duke of Clarence. This tomb was located in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.
Gilbert later said that Princess Alexandra, who became Queen Alexandra, was the only member of the royal family who supported him. She even wished that he would create her memorial if he lived longer than her.
Gilbert's Return to Britain
In 1926, Gilbert was invited to come back to Britain. This happened thanks to his biographer, a writer named Isabel McAllister. She had two main goals. First, she wanted Gilbert to finish the Duke of Clarence's tomb, which he did by 1928. Second, she wanted him to get the job of creating a memorial for Queen Alexandra. The Queen had passed away the year before.
An artist named Lady Helena Gleichen offered her studio in St James's Palace for Gilbert to use. A group called the Committee to Erect a Memorial to Queen Alexandra was formed in late 1926. They asked Gilbert to create the memorial in December of that year.
What the Memorial Means
The main part of the memorial has a special meaning. Gilbert himself explained it in 1927.
Central Group—represents "Love Enthroned", supported by Faith and Hope, on either side, and Love is directing a Boy sent out across the "River of Life", which springs from beneath Her Throne—symbolizing Queen Alexandra's charity to Children, also the water typifies Her advent to Great Britain from across the water.
This means the central figures show "Love on a Throne." Love is helped by Faith and Hope. Love is also sending a boy across a "River of Life." This river starts from under the throne. It represents Queen Alexandra's kindness to children. The water also shows her journey to Great Britain from across the sea.
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Design and Details
The memorial's design is inspired by a style called Perpendicular Gothic architecture. This style is known for its tall, slender features. The memorial has three canopies, which are like small roofs, over the figures. These canopies have supports called buttresses and pointed tops called pinnacles. The screen also has patterns that look like folded linen.
There are two more small statues on top of the throne's decorative parts, called finials. The one on the left represents Religion. The other one doesn't have a clear symbol, but some people think it represents Truth.
Important Messages
The memorial has two main messages carved into it. On the bronze base, it reads: QUEEN ALEXANDRA/ 1844 A TRIBUTE TO THE EMPIRE’S LOVE 1925. This shows her birth and death years and that the memorial is a sign of love from the British Empire.
On the granite base below, it says: FAITH, HOPE, LOVE./ THE GUIDING VIRTUES OF QUEEN ALEXANDRA. These words highlight the important qualities Queen Alexandra lived by. There is also a small inscription on the side of the bronze base that says A. B. BURTON. FOUNDER, which credits the company that cast the bronze.
Unveiling and Legacy
The memorial was cast, or shaped, by A. B. Burton at the Thames Ditton Foundry. It was officially revealed on June 8, 1932. This day was also Alexandra Rose Day, a day for charity. King George V unveiled the memorial.
At the ceremony, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Cosmo Gordon Lang, blessed the memorial. The choir of the Chapel Royal performed a new song called "Queen Alexandra's Memorial Ode." This song was written by Sir Edward Elgar, the King's official musician, with words by John Masefield, the official poet.
The very next day, King George V gave Gilbert his knighthood at Buckingham Palace. This memorial was the last public artwork Gilbert completed. He passed away in November 1934.
