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Statue of Wilfrid Lawson, London facts for kids

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Statue of Wilfrid Lawson
Statue of Sir Wilfrid Lawson.JPG
The statue in 2012
Coordinates 51°30′32″N 0°07′16″W / 51.50897°N 0.12100°W / 51.50897; -0.12100

The statue of Sir Wilfrid Lawson (1829–1906) is a special outdoor sculpture. It was created by an artist named David McGill. You can find this statue in the Victoria Embankment Gardens in London, United Kingdom. This monument once had four smaller statues around its base. These statues represented important ideas like Charity, Fortitude (bravery), Peace, and Temperance (self-control). Sadly, these smaller statues were stolen in 1979.

Who Was Sir Wilfrid Lawson?

Sir Wilfrid Lawson was an important person in British history. He lived from 1829 to 1906. He was a politician and a Member of Parliament (MP). This means he helped make laws for the country. He was known for his strong beliefs and for speaking up for what he thought was right.

A Champion for Change

Lawson was a Baronet, which is a special title. He was very passionate about certain causes. He worked hard to bring about social changes. He believed in fairness and helping people. His work as an MP made a big difference.

His Political Career

Sir Wilfrid Lawson served as an MP for many years. He represented different areas in England. He was known for his speeches and his dedication. He often spoke about peace and justice. People respected him for his honesty.

The Statue's Location

The statue stands in the beautiful Victoria Embankment Gardens. These gardens are a public park in central London. They are located along the River Thames. It's a peaceful place where people can relax.

A Public Memorial

Placing the statue here makes it a public memorial. It helps people remember Sir Wilfrid Lawson. It honors his contributions to society. Many important statues are found in London's parks.

About the Sculpture

The main statue shows Sir Wilfrid Lawson himself. It is a large and detailed work of art. David McGill created it to capture Lawson's spirit. The statue helps us remember his legacy.

The Missing Allegorical Figures

Originally, the statue had four smaller figures. These figures were allegorical. This means they represented ideas or virtues.

  • Charity: Helping others and being kind.
  • Fortitude: Having courage and strength.
  • Peace: Calmness and harmony.
  • Temperance: Self-control and moderation.

These figures added more meaning to the monument. It is a shame they were stolen.

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