The Albert Memorial

The Albert Memorial. . , The premature death of Prince Albert (1819-1861) was a shock that sparked a wave of mourning across Britain. His wife, Queen Victoria (1819-1901), commissioned this magnificent memorial to her beloved husband., Who was Prince Albert? , Albert, the son of a German Duke, was Queen Victoria's first cousin. The idea of their marriage was initially encouraged by family members, but the couple fell deeply in love. Following their wedding in 1840, Prince Albert won favour in his new country through sheer hard work. Albert believed in modernisation and was a generous patron of the arts, as well as science and innovation. , Why Here? , Prince Albert was the driving force behind the Great Exhibition of 1851. The event was held at Hyde Park, inside a huge glass palace built for the occasion. This ambitious event showcased cultural and industrial objects from around the world, attracting six million visitors. It was Albert's idea to use the profits from the exhibition to create a neighbourhood of educational, cultural and scientific institutions. Nicknamed 'Albertopolis', this area includes world-famous sites like the Natural History Museum, Royal College of Art and Royal Albert Hall. , The Albert Memorial sits on the exact spot where the central axis of the Great Exhibition meets the central axis of Albertopolis., Raising the Memorial , In 1862, seven prominent architects submitted designs for the memorial to Prince Albert. Queen Victoria eventually selected an ambitious scheme by George Gilbert Scott (1811-1878). His design was in the 'Gothic Revival' style, characterised by pointed arches and rich decoration. Standing at 54m (176 ft) tall, the memorial combines lavish materials including bronze and marble, glittering gold leaf, vivid enamel and brightly-coloured gemstones. Queen Victoria was so impressed with Gilbert Scott's work that she awarded him a knighthood., A Late Arrival , The memorial was officially unveiled in 1872, but there was someone important missing - the central figure of Prince Albert was not completed until 1876. , "Oh! to feel I was, and am, loved by such an Angel as Albert was too great a delight to describe! He is perfection; perfection in every way -in beauty - in everything!" , Queen Victoria's journal, 15 October 1839, TAKE A CLOSER LOOK…, 1. CROSS , This cross, influenced by those found in medieval architecture, indicates that Albert was a Christian Prince. Sitting above two tiers of angels, it symbolises heavenward aspiration. , 2. VIRTUES , The four figures on the corners represent the 'moral virtues' of prudence, temperance, fortitude and justice. The four figures in between depict the 'Christian virtues' of faith, hope, charity and humility. , 3. THE FOUR ARTS , These triangular mosaics represent the arts of poetry, painting, architecture and sculpture. Each is supported by two smaller mosaics underneath, hugging the pointed arch. , 4. DEDICATION , Above each pointed arch is a dedicatory message that wraps around the memorial: , “To the memory of Albert, Prince Consort , As a tribute of their gratitude , For a life devoted to the public good Queen Victoria and her people" , 5. SCIENCES , These eight sculptures, in two tiers, represent the sciences. The four at the bottom symbolise astronomy, chemistry, geometry and geology. Rhetoric, medicine, philosophy and physiology are just above. , 6. CANOPY , The ornate underside of this canopy features the coats of arms belonging to both Queen Victoria and Prince Albert - the motto on the latter reads Treu und Fest', or 'Faithful and Firm'. They sit amidst a sea of golden stars. , 7. PRINCE ALBERT , Albert is shown in an Informal rather than regal pose - he sits on a stool instead of a throne or a horse. He clutches the guidebook to the Great Exhibition of 1851, which he helped to organise. , 8.INDUSTRIAL ARTS , This series of four sculptures represents agriculture, manufacture, commerce and engineering. They link Prince Albert to Industrialised Britain. , 9. FRIEZE , The 'Parnassus frieze' depicts 169 figures of genius like Shakespeare and Beethoven. The only woman is the Pharaoh, Nitocris. Dogs keep artists Hogarth and Veronese company. , 10. CONTINENTS , These represent Africa, Asia, America and Europe, all of which contributed to the Great Exhibition., WHO WAS THE ARCHITECT? , Sir George Gilbert Scott (1811-1878) was a prolific architect who designed many well-known buildings. In London, these include the dramatic frontage of St. Pancras railway station and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in Westminster., SPOT GILBERT SCOTT! , Queen Victoria wanted Gilbert Scott, who designed this memorial, to add himself to the frieze. He is included in profile, standing modestly behind one of his heroes - the celebrated gothic architect Augustus Pugin (1812-1852)., WHAT’S UNDERNEATH? , Hidden underneath the steps of the memorial is a series of 868 brick arches. Constructed with bricks handmade in London, they support the huge weight of the monument.