Stuart Memorial, Heritage memorial in Queens Gardens, Dunedin, New Zealand
Stuart Memorial is a heritage monument in Queens Gardens, Dunedin, featuring a bronze seated figure mounted on a granite and andesite base. The statue depicts a man seated on a curule chair and rises approximately seven meters above ground after its 1922 elevation.
The memorial was unveiled in 1898 following community fundraising efforts to create it. This commission marked the first major public work given to New Zealand artist William Leslie Morison.
The memorial honors Donald Stuart, who shaped religious life in Dunedin as Knox Church minister and University of Otago Chancellor, conducting marriages across different faiths. His influence on the community remains visible through the seated figure placed in the gardens.
The memorial stands within Queens Gardens where it is visible from multiple viewpoints throughout the landscape. The location is easily accessible on foot and offers space to linger among the garden setting.
Stuart's funeral in 1894 drew thousands of mourners, revealing the deep connection the city held with him. The streets of Dunedin were lined with those paying respects, underscoring his importance to the community.
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