Statue of William Rolleston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Statue of William Rolleston |
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Rolleston Statue outside the Canterbury Museum in November 2010
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| Artist | Herbert Hampton |
| Year | 1906 |
| Catalogue | 1946 |
| Medium | White marble |
| Subject | William Rolleston |
| Designation | Category II historic place |
| Location | Canterbury Museum, Christchurch |
| 43°31′51″S 172°37′39″E / 43.5309°S 172.6275°E | |
| Designated: | 26 November 1981 |
| Reference #: | 1946 |
The Rolleston Statue is a white marble statue located outside Canterbury Museum in Christchurch, New Zealand. It stands on Rolleston Avenue. This statue honors William Rolleston, who was a very important leader, like a governor, for the Canterbury Province from 1868 to 1877.
Sir John Hall, who was the Mayor of Christchurch and a friend of Rolleston, revealed the statue on May 26, 1906. He wrote that the "City Council arrived in carriages to Statue" for the event.
Sadly, the Rolleston Statue fell off its base during the big 2011 Christchurch earthquake. But don't worry, it was fixed up and put back in 2016!
About the Rolleston Statue
William Rolleston was the fourth and last leader of the Canterbury region. He was also a Member of Parliament, which means he was elected to help make laws for the country. He served from 1868 to 1899, with a couple of breaks. Rolleston passed away in 1903.
Rolleston was very important in starting the Canterbury Museum and the Canterbury College. The college buildings are now home to the Arts Centre. Because of his work, it made sense to place his statue right outside the museum. From there, Rolleston appears to be looking across what is now Rolleston Avenue towards the old Canterbury College.
The Statue's Story
The statue was made by an English artist named Herbert Hampton. It was revealed in 1906 and stood on a stone base, called a plinth. The words on the plinth say: "William Rolleston Superintendent of Canterbury 1866–1876."
When the statue was first shown, people thought it looked a lot like William Rolleston. However, in more recent times, some people have said it looks a bit "stiff" and doesn't have much detail. They compare it to other statues in Christchurch made by artists like Thomas Woolner and George Lawson.
Earthquake Damage and Repair
During the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake, the statue fell off its base. Its head even broke off! When workers started fixing it, they found out the statue had only been held in place with cement. To make sure it wouldn't fall again, they added a strong anchor to keep it secure. The fixed statue was revealed again on December 21, 2016. Many of Rolleston's family members were there for the event, almost six years after the earthquake.
See also
In Spanish: Estatua Rolleston para niños
