Statue of Henry Irving, Bronze statue near National Portrait Gallery, London, England
This bronze figure depicts a theater personality in formal stance, resting on a Portland limestone base near Charing Cross Road. The statue was created by sculptor Thomas Brock and commands attention through its classical upright pose amid London's street life.
The statue was unveiled in 1910, funded entirely by contributions from theater professionals and actors across Britain. This monument emerged at a time when achieving the highest social honors for stage acting was still a remarkable achievement.
This monument honors an actor who profoundly shaped English theater and the stage profession. It stands in a central location where theater enthusiasts and passersby encounter the reminder of how this figure changed perceptions about actors in society.
The statue sits on a busy street and is easily accessible on foot, especially if you visit the nearby National Portrait Gallery. Being a protected monument, it remains visible and freely viewable from the street at all times.
Each February 6th, theater devotees gather for a wreath-laying ceremony at the statue to mark an important date for the honored figure. This annual tradition reveals how deeply this theater personality remains cherished by performers and audiences alike.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
