Public Art In Central Christchurch - Christchurch Art Gallery

Scott StatueCategory : Monument / SculptureTitle : Scott StatuePrimary artist(s) : Lady KathleenScott (later Lady Kennet) (1878-1947)Unveiling date : 9 February, 1917Media : Carrara marbleLocation : Corner of Worcester Streetand Oxford TerraceSetting : Set on the grass verge facingthe Information building with back ofthe statue to the South PoleOwner / administrator : Parks Unit,Christchurch City CouncilChristchurch was the New Zealand base for the British Antarctic expeditions in 1901 and 1910. CaptainScott’s final voyage reached the South Pole 25 January, 1912. Returning from the South Pole CaptainCook and his companions perished. Due to bad weather Scott and his party were unable to make it to thenext supplies base and simply died of starvation. News of the death of Scott and his companions did notreach Christchurch until 11 February, 1913.A week after the news broke in Christchurch a committee was set up to organise a Scott memorial fund.The Christchurch City Council entered into a contract with Lady Kathleen Scott. Lady Scott, a Britishsculptor, had been married to Captain Robert Falcon Scott since 1908. Lady Scott agreed to complete asculpture of Scott for ú1 000. A bronze statue was originally intended but when the work was started in1915 all available metal was being used by armament makers. The subsequent high cost of bronze meantthat Carrara marble was a more viable option.Lady Scott portrayed Captain Scott in polar dress, facing north on the homeward journey when deathovertook him and his companions. On the plinth the names are inscribed along with an extract of CaptainScott’s last note as he awaited death.To avoid damage to the raised hand and a leg of the sculpture, it was transported to New Zealand incomplete.However negotiations broke down over the increased cost of creating the statue in marble and Lady Scottdid not travel to Christchurch before her death in 1947 so the statue remains unfinished.