Statue of Edward Colston, Statue in the United Kingdom
The Statue of Edward Colston was a bronze figure mounted on a Portland stone plinth, depicting a man in 17th-century dress with a full curled wig. It stood in the center of Bristol for more than 125 years until it was toppled during a protest in 2020.
The statue was created in 1895 by Irish sculptor John Cassidy and funded by donations from local groups and the public. It honored Edward Colston, a 17th-century merchant who became wealthy through the slave trade and later donated money to schools and hospitals in Bristol.
The bronze dolphins at each corner of the pedestal and relief plaques showing scenes from his life were meant to honor his legacy. An inscription praised him as one of the most virtuous sons of Bristol, words that caused deep hurt for many in the community.
After being removed in June 2020, the bronze figure was recovered from the harbor and is now on display at M Shed museum. You can see the damage and graffiti that were left on it during the protest.
The empty plinth now bears a new plaque explaining that the figure was removed because of Colston's involvement in the slave trade. This marker is part of Bristol's effort to tell its history openly and reflect on the past.
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