The South Bank Lion, also known as the Red Lion, is a prominent and historic sculpture located on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. This majestic statue stands proudly near the south end of Westminster Bridge, close to the entrance of the County Hall complex.
Originally crafted in 1837 by the sculptor William F. Woodington, the lion was commissioned by the owner of the Lion Brewery, which stood on the site now occupied by the Southbank Centre. The lion was made from Coade stone, a type of ceramic stoneware known for its durability and weather resistance.
When the Lion Brewery was demolished in 1949, the lion statue was preserved due to its historical and artistic significance. It was moved to its current location in 1966, where it has since become an iconic landmark. The South Bank Lion is notable for its detailed craftsmanship and impressive size, standing over 13 feet tall and weighing approximately 13 tons.
The statue is painted in a distinctive red color, which has contributed to its colloquial name, the Red Lion. It is a popular spot for photographs and serves as a reminder of the area's industrial past and its transformation into a cultural and recreational hub.
The South Bank Lion is situated near several major attractions, including the London Eye, the Sea Life London Aquarium, and the Southbank Centre, making it an easily accessible and well-visited site. Its presence adds to the rich tapestry of historical and modern landmarks that characterize the...
Read moreYou just can't miss to notice this majestic sculpture of lion, as you walk across the Westminster Bridge towards the South Bank side of Thames, and admire its fine details. Prominently located at the southend of the bridge, this magnificent sculpture has its own history as I gathered later. Crafted in 1837 by the sculptor William Woolington for the Lion Brewery, it was retained on brewery's closure in 1924, and was shifted to its present location in 1966. One can try to find similarities, if any, between this one and the nearby sculptures of four lions around the Nelson column in the...
Read moreA majestic sentinel of the South Bank, the South Bank Lion is a sculptural masterpiece crafted in 1837 by William Frederick Woodington. Constructed from durable Coade stone, this iconic lion has weathered the elements for nearly two centuries, standing as a testament to both its artistry and the material's resilience.
Originally a part of the Lion Brewery, the lion was relocated to its current position next to County Hall in 1966. Today, it serves as a prominent symbol of London, joining the ranks of other iconic feline figures, such as the four lions guarding Nelson's Column in...
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