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This is one of the weirdest statues in the country, not because of its design, but because of who it honors. This statue of George Washington is a replica of the one in the Virginia State Capital building commissioned by Thomas Jefferson and it's one of about 25 or more around the world.
Washington was of course a one-time citizen of Great Britain, but he also went on to become a very rebellious colonial and ultimately the father of the United States. Washington leans on 13 wooden rods which are a symbol of the 13 colonies and he is in his typical fashion of the day complete with his wig. However, he is standing on soil shipped in from the state of Virginia.
This statue is presented to the British as a gift in 1921 by the French of Virginia. And legend says that old George here once swore he would never set foot on British soil ever again. So, he is standing on a foundation made of pure Virginia soil. It's one of those things that sounds like an urban legend, but it actually isn't.
Now, while you might think that there was British animosity towards this rebellious leader, there the British prime minister at the time of American independence, William Penny, even commissioned a life-sized portrait of the first president during Washington's last year in office. Now, we may not be inside the museum today, but we are in front of one of its most famous.
So, when I meet people here for National Gallery Tours, I often use this statue as a meeting place because it's such a brilliant talking point, especially for my American guests. If you're new to my channel, welcome. If you're a returning viewer and you'd like access to even more content, head on over to my Patreon.
The statue of George Washington
This is one of the weirdest statues in the country, not because of its design, but because of who it honors. This statue of George Washington is a replica of the one in the Virginia State Capital building commissioned by Thomas Jefferson and it's one of about 25 or more around the world.
Washington was of course a one-time citizen of Great Britain, but he also went on to become a very rebellious colonial and ultimately the father of the United States. Washington leans on 13 wooden rods which are a symbol of the 13 colonies and he is in his typical fashion of the day complete with his wig. However, he is standing on soil shipped in from the state of Virginia.
This statue is presented to the British as a gift in 1921 by the French of Virginia. And legend says that old George here once swore he would never set foot on British soil ever again. So, he is standing on a foundation made of pure Virginia soil. It's one of those things that sounds like an urban legend, but it actually isn't.
Now, while you might think that there was British animosity towards this rebellious leader, there the British prime minister at the time of American independence, William Penny, even commissioned a life-sized portrait of the first president during Washington's last year in office. Now, we may not be inside the museum today, but we are in front of one of its most famous.
So, when I meet people here for National Gallery Tours, I often use this statue as a meeting place because it's such a brilliant talking point, especially for my American guests. If you're new to my channel, welcome. If you're a returning viewer and you'd like access to even more content, head on over to my Patreon.
the Fourth Plinth Gallery
the Fourth Plinth Gallery
the Fourth Plinth Gallery, and it is a public art gallery that displays one sculpture approximately every year.
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