Friday, July 19, 2013

Fictional Figures: Peter Pan Statue - London, England

Interesting Places I've Photographed
Peter Pan Statue
London, England
Topic: Fictional Figures


N 51° 30.517 W 000° 10.552


Quick Description: 

The famous, and often copied, statue of Peter Pan is located in Kensington Gardens in London, England.

Long Description:

The iconic statue of the classic fictional character of children's' literature, Peter Pan, seemed to have magically appeared during the night of May 1, 1912 in London's Kensington Gardens. There was absolutely no previous publicity regarding the sculpture. The creator of the character, Sir James Matthew Barrie, simply placed a notice in the Times of London:

"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."

The 6' high bronze depiction of Peter Pan blowing his pipe stands on a 7' high circular tapering bronze base that contains relief sculptures of associated characters. Fairie, bunnies, and of course Wendy, all make an appearance.


A circular bronze plaque set in the ground in front of the sculpture is inscribed:

PETER PAN

The boy who never grew up
Sculptor Sir George Franpton R.A. 1860 - 1928

This bronze, a gift of Sir James Barrie OM 1860 - 1937
the creator of Peter Pan, was placed here
1st May 1912

HRH The Princess Margaret Countess of Snowdon
unveiled this plaque presented by the
friends of Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
1st May 1997

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