3-021-373 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Statue of Prince Albert at Canterbury Cathedral, 1869. '...the elaborate south-west porch and the whole of the west end are filled with niches for statues. These niches, until the year 1862, stood empty; but at that time a movement was originated by the Dean to fill them with historical figures of kings, queens, and archbishops, and other eminent persons connected with the cathedral. The cost was to be defrayed by private subscription - Mr. Pfyffers, the sculptor,... having undertaken the figures at a cost of £24 each...In the western face of the cathedral are two niches on each side of the door. It was proposed to place...in niches on each side of the door...in the northern, our present Queen Victoria and the late lamented Prince Consort. These two figures her Majesty has been graciously pleased to present, and within the last month they have been erected in their places. Mr. Pfyffers has bestowed on them much laborious care, and has succeeded in producing figures which do him great credit as works of art. They were watched while in progress, and on their completion are understood to have been highly approved, by an officer deputed by her Majesty'. From "Illustrated London News", 1869.