Statue of Robert Peel, Parliament Square

The bronze statue of Sir Robert Peel standing before you is the final version of a long and difficult commemoration. An earlier, much larger statue of Peel by the sculptor Carlo Marochetti was installed in this square in eighteen sixty-six, but it was widely criticized for its size and ultimately removed. In a turn of events rarely seen in public art, that original bronze statue was melted down in eighteen seventy-four to provide the material for this replacement. The sculptor chosen for this second attempt, Matthew Noble, died shortly before the casting was complete in eighteen seventy-six. Reflecting the weariness that had surrounded the project for years, the authorities declined to hold any formal unveiling ceremony. The statue was simply placed in its current position at the end of that year, where Peel is depicted holding a crumpled speech, gesturing as if addressing the House of Commons.