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Physical Energy
Physical Energy
Physical Energy
Physical Energy
Physical Energy
Physical Energy
Physical Energy
Physical Energy
Physical Energy
Physical Energy
Physical Energy
Physical Energy
Physical Energy
Physical Energy
Physical Energy
Physical Energy
Physical Energy
Physical Energy
Physical Energy

Image credit: Sally Norris / Art UK

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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.

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Located at

Kensington Gardens, Kensington

W2 3HJ

Located in the centre of the park, at the intersection of Inverness Walk and Lancaster Walk.