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Notes

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Based on the myth surrounding the real life eleventh century figure Lady Godiva (Godgifu) who allegedly rode through the town naked to free the people of Coventry from the heavy taxes. The statue is of a young nude woman on horseback. The design of the base is reminiscent of the work of Sir Edwin Lutyens, who had died in 1944 but with whom Dick had frequently worked. The statue symbolised the regeneration of Coventry after its bombing and was donated to boost morale at a time when rebuilding work was delayed by shortages. It was intended as the focal point of Broadgate, and originally faced the clock tower of Broadgate House where it could be seen by 'Peeping Tom'. Lady Godiva was turned through ninety degrees in 1990, to face the entrance to the Upper Precinct and to lie on axis between the Lower Precinct and the cathedral.

Title

Self Sacrifice (Lady Godiva)

Date

1944–1949

Medium

bronze on Portland stone base

Accession number

CV1_TS_S017

Acquisition method

paid for by William Bassett-Green

Work type

Equestrian

Owner

Coventry City Council

Custodian

Coventry City Council

Work status

extant

Listing status

Grade II* (England and Wales)

Unveiling date

22nd October 1949

Listing date

15/04/98

Access

at all times

Signature/marks description

signed on the left side of the base: W Reid Dick 1944

Inscription description

front: SELF-SACRIFICE / GODIVA / SHE RODE FORTH CLOTHED ON WITH / CHASTITY THE DEEP AIR LISTEN D ROUND / HER AS SHE RODE AND ALL THE LOW WIND / HARDLEY BREATHED FOR FEAR / TENNYSON

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