3-011-974 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Inauguration of the statue of the late Prince Consort, in the presence of Her Majesty, at Perth , 1864. Engraving from a sketch by Mr. Keeley Halswell. 'The pavilion for her Majesty [Queen Victoria] was a most tasteful erection; the front presented four shafts with floral capitals, and three arches, the central one being appropriated for the Queen. The pavilion was hung with crimson cloth and festooned with evergreens and flowers, with crimson hangings...in case of rain...The ceremony was brief but impressive...The Rev. Mr. Burdon, minister of East Church, Perth, offered a prayer that the Almighty would prosper and guard the work that they had finished, prolong her Majesty's reign, and fill it with the blessings of peace, of progress, and of Christian enterprise...The statue was then uncovered, and the guard of honour presented arms, the band of the 92nd played the National Anthem, the pipes of the Highland regiments sounded a pibroch, and a battery of artillery...fired a Royal salute...The Duke of Saxe-Coburg, brother of the deceased Prince, presented the sculptor, Mr. Brodie, to the Queen, who repeated to him the expressions of her appreciation of the statue, both as a work of art and as a faithful resemblance of the lamented Prince'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.