King Edward VII Memorial, Grade II listed marble statue in Centenary Square, Birmingham, England
The King Edward VII Memorial is a white Carrara marble statue in Centenary Square showing the monarch standing with one foot forward in coronation dress, holding an orb and scepter. The memorial sits atop an ornate base that incorporates additional sculptural elements.
The Birmingham Mail newspaper raised over 5,000 pounds in 1910 to fund this memorial, which was originally placed in Victoria Square beside Queen Victoria's statue. The monument was later relocated and eventually returned to a prominent city location.
The memorial features allegorical bronze figures representing Peace and Progress, along with a depiction of Saint George defeating a dragon in Art Nouveau style. These artistic elements give the monument meaning that extends beyond its role as a royal portrait.
The memorial is located on Centenary Square outside Baskerville House, making it easily accessible on foot from various directions. The complete restoration finished in 2013 means the monument is well-maintained and can be viewed from multiple angles around the square.
The statue spent over six decades in a park outside the city center where bronze components were repeatedly stolen before being restored and returned in 2013. This period of neglect and damage became a significant chapter in its story before modern renewal.
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