Short thread: So, as many of you know since my role in ⁦ @JackLeslieCamp⁩ statue campaign, I’ve become obsessed with statues. Today I cycled to Hyde Park and took another look at this classic. It’s a statue of Achilles, but it’s really a monument to the Duke of Wellington

It’s huge! But up close, with my poor photography and bad lighting, looks like he is wearing flared trousers!

The statue was made from cannons captured at the battle of Waterloo, melted down and cast. Great recycling!
You all know the story of the fig leaf right? Originally the Duke was “au naturel” , but the fig leaf was added later because:

These statuettes look so much less lovely without the fountain feature!

Whereas this one still looks great

Some of the images in Hyde park are IMHO a bit rubbish. Ive seen better in the garden centre!

And of course, there are always statues relating to military campaigns or war...

I had not previously seen this monument to those that died in the terrorist bombings of July 2005. I found it very moving, and had some quiet reflection despite proximity to road. It really works as you walk around and through with the changing light

The very moving memorial to victims of the terrorist atrocities of 15 July 2005 ends this thread.