1913 – Design for King Edward VII Memorial, Ottawa, Canada

Never completed, the construction probably cancelled by the First World War. The Truth and Justice figures were cast though and after fifty years in storage were eventually mounted outside the Supreme Court of Canada.

“The above design has been accepted by the Federal Government as a fitting memorial to the late King Edward VII. The site for the monument is on the slope of Parliament Hill, Ottawa, and will be fifty-five feet long, the lower figures ten feet high, and the reclining figure fifteen feet in length. Walter Allward, of Toronto, won the competition over some forty contestants, of which only five were Canadians. S. Nicholson Babb, London, was awarded second prize.

The motive of the design is that of the King as a Peacemaker, the King standing in meditation, over him the spirit of Peace, an heroic figure carved in the stone, dreaming of the past, while the symbol of War, (the cannon) lies half buried at her feet.

On the steps at the base of the wall stands the figure if Justice, erect, strong and reliant, ready to help and support Knowledge (which is Truth), in her task of civilising and enlightening the world. On the wall are the words: “Through Truth and Justice he strove that War may cease and Peace descend o’er all the earth.”

Mr Allward conceived the idea of placing the King against a simples background of stone, so that the full expression of this figure might carry at a distance, at the same time affording an opportunity for a pose, kingly and thoughtful. The contour of the monument is such that it does not compete with the various towers and turrets, at the same time it is sufficiently high and broad to be a dignified and impressive mass placed above the level of the small details of the bridges, traffic, etc. The various parts unite to form one complete ensemble of harmony and dignity.”
Construction, May 1913

Share!

More!