Peter Pan Statue — Attraction in London

The Peter Pan statue is a bronze sculpture of J. M. Barrie's character Peter Pan. It was commissioned by Barrie and made by Sir George Frampton. The original statue is displayed in Kensington Gardens in London, to the west of The Long Water, close to Barrie's former home on Bayswater Road. Barrie's stories were inspired in part by the gardens: the statue is located at the place where Peter Pan lands in Barrie's book The Little White Bird after flying out of his nursery. Six other casts made by the original artist have been erected in other locations around the world.

Statue in Kensington

The sculpture stands about 14 feet (4.3 m) high. It has a tall conical form, like a tree stump, topped by a young boy, approximately life size for an eight year old, wearing a nightshirt and blowing a thin musical instrument like a trumpet or flute, sometimes interpreted as pan pipes. The sides of the stump are decorated with small figures of squirrels, rabbits, mice, and fairies. Barrie had intended the boy to be based on a photograph of Michael Llewelyn Davieswearing a Peter Pan costume, but Frampton chose another model, possibly James W. Shaw or William A. Harwood. A completed plaster model of the work was exhibited at the Royal Academy in May 1911. Barrie had the original bronze erected in London on 30 April 1912, without fanfare and without permission, so that it might appear to children that the fairies had put it in place overnight. He published a notice in The Timesnewspaper the following day, 1 May: "There is a surprise in store for the children who go to Kensington Gardens to feed the ducks in the Serpentine this morning. Down by the little bay on the south-western side of the tail of the Serpentine they will find a May-day gift by Mr J.M. Barrie, a figure of Peter Pan blowing his pipe on the stump of a tree, with fairies and mice and squirrels all around. It is the work of Sir George Frampton, and the bronze figure of the boy who would never grow up is delightfully conceived." He donated the sculpture to the city of London, although some critics objected to him advertising his works by erecting a sculpture in a public park without permission. It became a Grade II* listed building in 1970. A plaque was unveiled by Princess...

The Peter Pan Statue in Hyde Park is a charming and enchanting tribute that brings J.M. Barrie’s beloved character to life in one of London’s most scenic green spaces. Erected in 1912, this whimsical statue captures the essence of Peter Pan and his magical world, making it a delightful stop for both children and adults.

Sculpted by Sir George Frampton, the statue beautifully portrays Peter Pan in a dynamic pose, surrounded by his fairy friends and the mischievous Lost Boys. The attention to detail in the sculpture is remarkable, with intricate depictions of Peter's costume and the playful expressions of the figures around him. The bronze work, complemented by a base adorned with bronze reliefs and inscriptions, is both visually captivating and evocative of the fantastical elements of Barrie’s story.

The statue’s location in Kensington Gardens, just a short stroll from the bustling city streets, enhances its magical appeal. Nestled among the trees and open lawns, the statue is set against a backdrop of lush greenery that adds to the sense of enchantment. It’s easy to imagine Peter Pan and his friends frolicking in this picturesque setting, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful moment of reflection or a playful visit with children.

What makes the Peter Pan Statue truly special is the way it resonates with visitors of all ages. For fans of the classic story, it’s a nostalgic and heartwarming experience to see Peter Pan immortalized in this way. For families, the statue offers a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to the magic of Neverland and inspire their imaginations.

The surrounding area is well-kept and inviting, with ample space for picnics or a leisurely walk. The statue is a popular spot for photographs, and it’s easy to see why—it’s a place where the magic of childhood dreams and the beauty of Hyde Park come together in perfect harmony.

In summary, the Peter Pan Statue in Hyde Park is a delightful and enchanting landmark that captures the whimsical spirit of J.M. Barrie’s timeless tale. Its beautiful artistry, charming location, and magical atmosphere make it a must-visit spot in London, offering a little bit of Neverland in the heart...

I've been in love with this status since I was younger, and as a huge J M Barrie fan I do think that this area appears to be slightly under looked and under appreciated. There were no flowers in this area, the hedge was over grown and shabby, not to mention there was no seating areas around this part of the park. Ive waited my entire life to see this statue, it might not have been a big deal to anyone, but it is to me and I'm really upset with how this part of the park has been left in the dark. There's also a bit where you can ring a number and it is supposed to sound like Peter Pan and he speaks to you, keep in mind that Peter Pan is supposed to be pre-pubesent, the voice is that of a deep young man, at least late teens. I've adored this statue and it's tale for years, and I just think that maybe having a circle of chairs surrounding the statue, trimming the trees a little around the front, and allowing it's true beauty to shine with a clean and polish every once and a while would be great. It was such a shame, I loved seeing it, but couldn't even get close as it was fenced in behind bars, we assumed it was due to perhaps re-planting of flowers, but I travelled 6 hours and walked 25,000 steps (no over exaggeration) to see a statue, that I've idolised my entire life, kept in a cage in a muddy and...