Public Art in Central Christchurch

Rolleston Statue  

Category: Monument / Sculpture Title: Rolleston Statue Primary artist(s): Herbert Hampton (1862-1929) Unveiling date: 26 May, 1906 Media: Marble, granite plinth Approximate dimensions: h 5.49m w 1.22m d 1.22m Location: Rolleston Avenue Setting: Placed in front of the Museum, looking straight down Worcester Street Owner / administrator: Parks Unit, Christchurch City Council

The commission for the Rolleston statue was undertaken by an English sculptor, Herbert Hampton. Hampton was both a sculptor and a painter, and had been exhibiting at the Royal Academy since 1886. For the Rolleston commission Hampton created a marble statue in the 'Victorian frock and coat style'. Many of Rolleston's contemporaries found Hampton's representation an accurate portrayal. The Lyttelton Times describes this response, "The statue itself is a very good likeness. This was shown by the remarks made as soon as it was unveiled, many of those present saying that the likeness could not have been bettered."¹ The paper also goes on to say, "The sculpture has caught the expression on the face, and the pose of the figure, with notable success."²

William Rolleston was prominantly involved in the politics and administration of the Canterbury province. His most distinguished public position was that of the fourth and last superintendent of Canterbury. On the 26 May, 1906 a statue was unveiled in his memory. The Rolleston statue is situated on Rolleston Avenue between the Canterbury Museum and the original University buildings, now the Arts Centre. The positioning of the statue is significant as Rolleston was the leading political impetus behind both these provincial institutions.

¹ The Lyttelton Times, May 28, 1906. p8

² Ibid

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