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Title
Physical Energy
Date
1904
Medium
bronze & granite
Measurements
H 300 x W 380 x D 145 cm;
Plinth: H 130 x W 503 x D 280 cm
Accession number
W2_SAN_S033
Acquisition method
erected by Watts' widow and friends
Work type
Equestrian
Work status
extant
Listing status
Grade II (England and Wales)
Unveiling date
26th September 1907
Listing date
14/01/70
Access
time restrictions apply
Access note
Garden opening times.
Signature/marks description
self-base, north face: G. F. Watts. / June. 1904; self-base, south face: A. B. BURTON. FOUNDER / THAMES DITTON
Inscription description
self-base, west face: PHYSICAL ENERGY / BY G. F. WATTS. OM. RA; plaque in ground: George Frederic Watts OM, RA (1817–1904) / 'Physical Energy', 1882–1904 / Bronze cast for Kensington Gardens, / where it was placed in September 1907 / 'Physical Energy' is G F Watts's sculptural masterpiece; / a universal embodiment of the dynamic force of ambition. / The artist himself described it as, 'a symbol of that restless / Physical impulse to seek the still unachieved in the domain / of material things'. Three bronzes were cast of this sculpture, / of which this is the second, the other two are in / South Africa and Zimbabwe. / The full size model for this sculpture is on display at / Watts Gallery, Compton, Surrey. / This centenary plaque was unveiled by / HRH the Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO / on 7th September, 2007.