We all know about the various memorials to humans who took part in the wars and conflicts of the 20th century, but there is also a memorial in Hyde Park to commemorate the horses, mules, dogs, pigeons, elephants, camels, oxen, bullocks, cats, canaries, and even glow worms who gave their effort, and often their lives, in support of British, Commonwealth and Allied forces.
The sculpture was designed by Somerset-based artist David Backhouse and constructed in Portland stone and cast bronze. It was opened by HRH The Princess Royal in November 2004 at Brook Gate, Park Lane on the edge of Hyde Park. It cost £2 million, which was raised through a national appeal and donations from individuals, charities and companies.
For more, see
http://www.animalsinwar.org.uk/^Picture by Metro Centric^
I am always looking for memorials and shrines that were built straight after the 1914-8 war ended. But this is the first time I have heard of the Hyde Park memorial to animals. Many thanks
ReplyDeleteActually its in rather an odd place - not in the park as such, but in the middle of Park Lane which I've always thought was rather odd and leaves it out on a limb. It's not as if there isn't enough space in the park to accommodate it given what else they're prepared to give space to - Princess Diana Memorial Fountain *cough*
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