Standing Lincoln

I've always wondered why this statue of Lincoln is in Parliament Square. And why Lincoln has a chair.

And now I know.

This is a copy of a famous statue in Chicago, known as 'Standing Lincoln'. It was chosen just before the first world war, a gift from America to commemorate 100 years of peace amongst English-speaking peoples.

The war intervened before the statue could be delivered. After the war, the American donors changed their minds, and suggested a different statue of Lincoln. The British didn't like the idea. In the end, they went with the original.

And it looks great, as you can see. Lincoln is rising from his chair 'as if to make a speech'. Some consider this the finest example of portrait sculpture in the USA.

But what to do with the reject? In the end, it went to Manchester. It's apparently known as 'the tramp with the colic'. Take a look and decide for yourself ...