June 6, 2014

Sculptor Created Iconic Churchill Statue in Parliament Square

British sculptor Ivor Roberts-Jones (1913-1996), creator of the internationally recognized statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Parliament Square, is the subject of a lavishly-illustrated and comprehensive new monograph from Phillip Wilson Publishers. Authors Jonathan Black and Sara Ayres provide expert analysis of Roberts-Jones’ works while placing them in the context of his illustrious career. At 336 pages, it is the first in-depth look at the artist who created one of the most recognizable public images of Sir Winston.

The commanding statue of Churchill in Parliament Square, London was unveiled by Clementine Churchill in 1973 and is located on the spot where Churchill once said, “my statue will go.” Queen Elizabeth II spoke at the unveiling, which included five British Prime Ministers of the post-war era. An original maquette of the first version of the work (depicting Churchill in his garter robes) has been donated by Churchill Centre Chairman Laurence Geller CBE to the collection of the new National Churchill Library and Center being created by The Churchill Centre in Washington, DC.

New OrleansTwo of the book’s five chapters are dedicated to four bronze sculptures of Churchill by Roberts-Jones now on display around the world. In addition to London, sculptures are also located in Oslo, and Prague. Finally, as attendees at this year’s 31st International Churchill Conference saw, a Churchill statue is to be found in New Orleans. According to the authors, Roberts-Jones created the New Orleans statue to be “celebratory of freedom,” thus the inclusion of the famous V-for-Victory sign. The sculpture stands at the end of Poydras Street with intent to “stamp a place within the city with a British character”.

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Ivor Roberts-Jones remains one of the finest British sculptors of the 20th century. In addition to Churchill, he fashioned images of poet Rupert Brooke and Field Marshal Lord Alanbrooke. The artist’s impressive and wide-ranging output encompassed sculptures of figures from all corners of society including numerous politicians, musicians and artists.