The photo above shows a statue of the Duke of Wellington situated on Woodhouse Moor an area of parkland between Leeds city centre and Headingley.
Field Marshal Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, KG, KP, GCB, GCH, PC, FRS (c. 29 April/1 May 1769 – 14 September 1852), was an Anglo-Irish soldier and statesman, and one of the leading military and political figures of the nineteenth century. In an age of larger than life heroes think Nelson but not being killed at the height of his fame, this then is Arthur Wellesley who as a soldier defeated Napoleon then later became the British prime minister. He is I think the only serving prime minister of these islands to fight a duel. I really cannot imagine Gordon Brown fighting for anyones honour.
After his death people in Leeds subscribed towards a memorial and Queen Victoria's favourite sculptor, Baron Carlo Marochetti was commissioned to sculpt the bronze statue to sit in front of the under construction Leeds town hall. In 1937 the statue was moved to its current position on Woodhouse Moor near University Road.
I suspect some student added the red paint to his boots.
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The red boots adds a whole new dimension to the statue. I agree with your comment on Brown.
ReplyDeleteMost interesting picture with the red boots. Is that like graffiti or was it that way from the beginning?
ReplyDeleteI was wondering about the red boots! Nice shot.
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