Statue of Achilles — Attraction in London

The 18ft statue of Achilles, the Greek hero of the Trojan War, commemorates the soldier and politician, Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769-1852). It was installed by order of King George III and unveiled on 18 June 1822.

Located near the Queen Elizabeth Gate at Hyde Park Corner, the statue of Achilles was the first statue installed in Hyde Park and was commissioned by a patriotic, upper class society, known as Ladies of England.

The statue was made by Sir Richard Westmacott using 33 tonnes of bronze from cannons captured in Wellington's campaigns in France. The body of the statue is modelled on a Roman figure on Monte Cavallo in Italy. The head is based on the Duke himself.

The statue was originally completely nude and caused outrage so a small fig leaf had to be added soon after it...

The Statue of Achilles, located in Hyde Park near Apsley House, is a notable monument with a rich history. Here's what you should know about it: Historical Significance: Erected in 1822, it commemorates Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington, and his victories in the Napoleonic Wars. Artistic Details: Sculpted by Sir Richard Westmacott, this 18-foot statue is cast from cannons captured in battles such as Salamanca, Vitoria, Toulouse, and Waterloo. The statue's body is based on a Roman figure from Monte Cavallo, while the head is modeled after the Duke himself. Controversy: It was London's first public nude statue, which led to some controversy and the subsequent addition of a fig leaf. Tribute from Women: The statue was commissioned by a patriotic upper-class society known as the...

The Wellington Monument is a statue of Achilles erected as a memorial to Arthur Wellesley, the first duke of Wellington, and his victories in the Peninsular War and the latter stages of the Napoleonic Wars. It is sited at the south-western end of Park Lane in London, and was inaugurated on 18 June 1822. Its total height, including the sculpture, base and the mound on which it stands, is 36 ft. The monument's colossal 18 feet (5.5 m) high statue of Achilles is by the sculptor Richard Westmacott, produced from melted-down captured enemy cannon. he monument was funded by donations from British women...