3-065-597 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Unveiling the statue of the late Prince Consort in Holborn-Circus, [London], 1874. Equestrian sculpture unveiled '...by the Lady Mayoress and the Prince of Wales [future King Edward VII]...A space had been inclosed round the statue; and there was a platform, carpeted with crimson, and roofed overhead, with vallances of maroon cloth and yellow fringe. Here stood two chairs of state, in gold and crimson, with a few other seats. The Duke of Cambridge arrived at a quarter before twelve; the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, with the sheriffs, the aldermen, common councilmen, and City officers, came punctually at noon...A guard of honour, formed of his own volunteer regiment, the Hon. Artillery Company, and commanded by Captain Nunn, presented arms to his Royal Highness...The Town Clerk began the proceedings by reading a brief statement of the manner in which the statue had been given to the City, with a description of its artistic design and that of the pedestal. The Prince of Wales then rose and said, "I desire that this statue be now unveiled"...the curtain was pulled away, and the bronze figure of Prince Albert [late father of the Prince of Wales] on horseback was exposed to view'. From "Illustrated London News", 1874.