Sir William Glasgow Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sir William Glasgow Memorial |
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Sir William Glasgow Memorial in Post Office Square, 2009
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| Location | 270 Queen Street, Brisbane City, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1940s - 1960s (post-World War II) |
| Built | c. 1961 - 1964 |
| Architect | Daphne Mayo |
| Official name: Sir William Glasgow Memorial | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 13 May 2004 |
| Reference no. | 602439 |
| Significant period | 1960s (fabric) |
| Significant components | trees/plantings, memorial - statue |
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The Sir William Glasgow Memorial is an important statue in Brisbane, Australia. It honors Sir William Glasgow, a brave soldier and public servant. The statue is located in Post Office Square on Queen Street.
The famous sculptor Daphne Mayo designed this bronze statue. It was built between 1961 and 1964. The memorial is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, meaning it is a protected historical site.
The statue stands on a granite base called a plinth. It shows Sir William Glasgow in his Australian Light Horse uniform. He is holding field glasses. This statue was one of the last big projects for Daphne Mayo. It was officially opened on Remembrance Day in 1966. Sir Arthur Fadden, a former Australian Prime Minister, led the ceremony.
The statue has moved a few times. It first stood near Ann Street and Roma Street. In 1968, it moved to a different spot near Albert Street. Finally, in 2008, it was moved to Post Office Square. Now, it faces ANZAC Square, another important memorial area.
Contents
Who Was Sir William Glasgow?
This section tells you more about the person the statue honors. Sir William Glasgow was a very important figure in Queensland's history.
Early Life and Military Service
Thomas William Glasgow was born in 1876 near Tiaro, Queensland. He went to school in Gympie and Maryborough. After school, he worked as a clerk.
Young William joined the Wide Bay Regiment, a mounted infantry group, when he was still a teenager. In 1897, he was chosen to represent Queensland in London. This was for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
He fought in the Second Boer War as a Lieutenant. He helped in the relief of Kimberley and the capture of Bloemfontein. He was recognized for his bravery and received the Distinguished Service Order medal in 1901. This was a rare honor for someone of his rank.
Return to Australia and World War I
After the Boer War, Glasgow returned home. He took over his father's grocery store. In 1904, he got married and bought a cattle station. He also continued his military career. In 1903, he helped create the 13th Light Horse Regiment in Gympie. He was promoted to captain in 1906 and major in 1912.
When World War I began in 1914, he joined the First Australian Imperial Force. He was a major in the 2nd Light Horse Regiment. They went to Egypt in August 1914. Glasgow showed great courage at Gallipoli and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. In 1916, he became a Brigadier-General. He then led the 13th Australian Infantry Brigade on the Western Front.
Hero at Villers-Bretonneux
One of his most famous battles was at Villers-Bretonneux on April 25, 1918. Two Australian Brigades, including Glasgow's, had to recapture this village. The Germans had recently taken it, and it was a very important spot.
Glasgow had a different plan of attack than the high command. His idea was chosen, and the battle was a huge success. Many people later said it was a turning point in the war. After this victory, Glasgow was promoted again. He became a Major General and took command of the Australian 1st Division.
Post-War Life and Public Service
In 1919, William Glasgow returned to Australia. He was knighted, which means he received the title "Sir." He continued working in the cattle industry. He also entered Australian Parliament as a Senator in 1920. He served as Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Defence.
From 1940 to 1945, he was Australia's first High Commissioner to Canada. This role is like an ambassador. Sir William died in Brisbane in 1955. He was given a State funeral, which is a big honor.
About the Sculptor: Daphne Mayo
The Queensland Club started a fund to create a memorial for Sir William. They asked the important Australian sculptor, Daphne Mayo, to create the statue in 1961.
Daphne Mayo studied art in Brisbane and later in London. She won scholarships to study at the Royal Academy. She also traveled to Rome to study. She returned to Brisbane in 1925. She then began to show her art in Brisbane and Sydney.
Mayo was very active in the 1920s and 1930s. She is well-known for her large artworks. These include The Progress of Civilization in the State of Queensland on the Brisbane City Hall (1930). She also created the Women's War Memorial in Anzac Square, Brisbane (1929–30).
In 1959, she received an MBE for her contributions to art. She also became a Trustee of the Queensland Art Gallery. Her statue of Sir William Glasgow was finished in 1964. It was officially opened on Anzac Day, 1966. This was Mayo's last big project. She passed away in 1982.
What Does the Statue Look Like?
The Sir William Glasgow Memorial Statue is made of bronze. It is about 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) tall. It stands on a tall, narrow base called a plinth. This base is covered with grey granite panels. These panels have words carved into them. The words tell about Glasgow's career and his service record.
The statue shows Glasgow in his Light Horse officer's uniform. He is holding a pair of field glasses. He looks relaxed and natural, gazing into the distance. The name of the foundry, Foundaria Natistica, Battaglia, Milan, is on the bronze behind his right heel.
Two large fig trees shade the monument. They are on the Albert Street side of the area. These trees add to the beauty of the site.
Why is it Important?
The Sir William Glasgow Memorial was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on May 13, 2004. This means it is a protected historical site. It is important for several reasons:
- It shows Queensland's history: The statue reminds us of Sir William Glasgow's important role. He was a key figure in World War I and served the community well.
- It is a good example of a public memorial: This statue is a great example of how we remember important people. It was paid for by donations. It stands as a lasting reminder of a person's public service and contributions to history. It shows qualities that the community admired.
- It is beautiful: The statue of Sir William Glasgow is important for its design and how well it was made. It makes the streetscape look much better. The old fig trees nearby also add to its beauty and visual impact.
- It is connected to a famous artist: The statue is important because it was the last major work by the famous Australian sculptor, Daphne Mayo.
