* Summers (Charles) The Princess of Wales {1878} Alexandra [SC]

Summers, Charles (1825-78; English)
The Princess of Wales 1878
Marble, c. 152 cm high (statue)
Presented by Sir William Clarke, 1878; de-accessioned, 1939
Jack Shiel Gardens, Alexandra

This fourth statue in the group of portraits of the royal family donated in 1878 (for details, see * Summers (Charles) Queen Victoria {1878} Melb.Showgrounds [SC]) was relocated to the Victorian town of Alexandra in 1939.

A Princess of Denmark, Alexandra (1845-1925) married Albert Edward (later Edward VII) in 1863. Reputed to be a great beauty, she has the dubious distinction of having held the title of Princess of Wales for longer than anyone else.

For another portrait of her formerly in the Melbourne collection, see * Copeland & Sons (after others) Prince and Princess of Wales {by 1871} Loc? [SC], a Parian bust possibly after Mary Thornycroft (c.1863).

Refs.

AR 1878, p.51; SB, p.67; NGV 1880, p.1 (as 5’ high); NGV 1894, p.134 (VI.Rotunda, no.49; NGV 1905, p. 155 (VI.Sculpture – Entrance Hall, no.10)

For photos of this statue in its current location, including the image shown here, see https://www.flickr.com/photos/40262251@N03/8664958568/; and for further details, see http://guides.slv.vic.gov.au/c.php?g=245295&p=1633312