Richard Southwell Bourke (1822–1872)
Richard Southwell Bourke (1822–1872)
Richard Southwell Bourke (1822–1872)
Richard Southwell Bourke (1822–1872)
Richard Southwell Bourke (1822–1872)
Richard Southwell Bourke (1822–1872)
Richard Southwell Bourke (1822–1872)
Richard Southwell Bourke (1822–1872)
Richard Southwell Bourke (1822–1872)
Richard Southwell Bourke (1822–1872)

Image credit: Rob Terwey / Art UK

How you can use this image

 

This image is available to be shared and re-used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial licence (CC BY-NC).

This image can be reproduced in any way apart from any commercial uses.

Wherever you reproduce the image or an altered version of it, you must attribute the original creators (acknowledge the original artist(s), the person/organisation that took the photograph of the work) and any other stated rights holders.

Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find more images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.

Download

Notes

Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.

A former MP for Cockermouth, Richard Southwell Bourke, the 6th Earl of Mayo, was a prominent political figure during the nineteenth century. Perhaps most notably, he was appointed by Disraeli as the Viceroy of India in 1869, becoming instrumental in organisation of frontiers, irrigation, railways and financial administration. However, he was assassinated in 1872 by Sher Ali Khan Afridi, an ex-soldier and prisoner, whilst visiting the Andaman Islands.

This statue of Bourke sits on Main street, depicting him in his official robes and wearing the Star of India around his neck. This, his proud stance and the sheer size of the statue, make it imposing and impressive piece of sculpture. Indeed, the choice to cut rather than incise his name on the pedestal highlights his status due to its expensive nature, making the sculpture a fitting memorial for his title as one of the most powerful figures in the British Empire during his stint as Viceroy of India.
Title

Richard Southwell Bourke (1822–1872)

Date

1875

Medium

white Sicilian marble & granite

Measurements

H 270 x W (?) x D (?) cm;
Plinth: H 360 x W (?) x D (?) cm

Accession number

CA13_RT_S063

Work type

Statue

Owner

Allerdale Borough Council

Work status

extant

Listing status

Grade II (England and Wales)

Unveiling date

19th August 1875

Access

at all times

Signature/marks description

on base of statue: W. and T. Wills, Euston Road

Inscription description

on pedestal: MAYO; on bronze plaque on base of plinth: THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED TO COMMEMORATE / THE SERVICE TO HIS COUNTRY OF / EARL MAYO / BORN FEBRUARY 21ST 1822 AND AS LORD NAAS REPRESENTED / THE BOROUGH OF COCKERMOUTH IN PARLIAMENT 1857-1867 / WAS APPOINTED VICEROY OF INDIA IN JANUARY 1869 / FELL BY ASSASSINATION IN THE ANDAMAN ISLANDS / FEBRUARY 8TH 1872

Tags

See a tag that’s incorrect or offensive? Challenge it and notify Art UK.

Help improve Art UK. Tag artworks and verify existing tags by joining the Tagger community.

Located at

Main Street, Cockermouth

CA13 9LU

Located in the centre of the road before Station Street.