]839.] 



THE CIVIL ENGINEER AND ARCHITECT'S JOURNAL. 



205 



The columnar form from the lime of UiiiUius (the first naval hero to whom 

 the Romans decrceil a monnmcnt), through those of Trajan and Antonine 

 down to our own day, has generally hecn adoi)tcd whenever a monument has 

 been required of colossal dimensions, and is consequently most favourably 

 associated in the jnibUc mind; hut, notwilbstanding this association, and the 

 intrinsic beauty of the column when of good proportion, its fituess is ques- 

 tionable when applied as the isolated pedestal of a statue. 



The proximity of Trafalgar-square to the York cohmin renders it liighly 

 important tliat any momnnent to be erected there, should be essentially ilis- 

 tinctivc in design from that monument. That monotony may be avoided, 

 and something new in art produced. 



Much has been said on the injmious etlect which any object erected near 

 the National Gallery would have upon that edifice, if the parts of which that 

 object might he composed were to be larger than those of the Galler)' itself, 

 but this could only ajiply if the ])arts of tlie Gallery possessed magnitude, or 

 approximated to that quality, which is clearly not the case. Its facade would 

 in truth be benefitted by any monmnental object that should present a marked 

 contrast to it in scale and character. 



The simjjle form of the obelisk when magnitude is taken into account, 

 renders it, next to the pyramid, perhaps the most imposing of all forms ; and 

 it would be difficult to point out a situation better suited for its adoption 

 than Trafalgar-square, where contrast with existing forms, masses and ma- 

 terials is most necessary. 



The obelisk of the accompanying design is 06 feet high, and 12 feet square 

 at its base, being larger than that before the Latcran i-biircb at Rome. The 

 author had conceived the idea of procuring it of one block from the granite 

 quarries of Haytcr, but the funds announced as available for the memorial 

 are too limiteil to allow of more than mention being made of the idea. The 

 memory of Nelson u ould perhap.s not be unfitly recordetl by a form which 

 had its origin on the banks of that far-famed river, at the month of w Inch he 

 won one of the brightest of his laurels The tridents, ships, and victories on 

 the bases of the obelisk, and on the obelisk itself, are sunk lielou- the surface 

 of the granite, as are also the words — Nile,— Copenhagen, — Trafalgar, — and, 

 the signal to the fleet on the day of the last quoted battle, " England expects 

 every man to do his duty ;" with which each face of the uppermost base of 

 tlie obelisk is respectively charged. This design might be executed for 28,000/. 



Design No. 67, George Foyijo. — Round the mainmast of a man-of-war are 

 piled trophies of Nelson's valour — mute ponderous cannon, silent musketiy, 

 &e. In front the hero receives additional tokens of success — the swords and 

 banners of humbled France and Spain ; but beneath, in the base of the monn- 

 mcnt, a bas-relief, in form of a ship's hull, represents the Conqueror of Tra- 

 falgar death-struck — passing to immortality. The word " Victory" inscribed 

 over the scene of triumph, and against that of death " We.stmbisler Abbey," 

 remind us of Ixis vigorous — almost prophetic — eloquence and enthusiasm. 

 At the mast-head (decorated with three crowns of sea-weed) a British Tar 

 proclaims the glorious victory. On either side is seen a figure in action, 

 intended to represent some renowned companion of Nelson's prowess ; and 

 reliefs of the Nile and Copenhagen w ill complete the exterior. 



The ornaments consist entirely of obiects obtainable at sea, and character- 

 istic of our navy and its illustrious leaner, who dared beyond the rules ol art. 

 Obiects that savour of preparation, and partake not ot enthusiastic impulse, 

 and likewise the mystic visions of antiquity, have been discarded for the more 

 terrible features of modern warfare. 



The interior of the basement will afford well-lighted space for fifteen or 

 twenty ba^-reliefs or pictures, commemorative of our navy's gallantry. 



The height proposed is about KJiO feet, w'hicli from its prominent position, 

 and the etlect of perspective, will appear lofiy among surrounding objects; 

 the principal figures aoout 12 feet. At that proportion the monument can be 

 well executed in stone far more durable than Italian marble, under 25.000/. 

 A real mast of a line-of-battle ship w ould be roost suitable for the upper shaft, 

 and bronze may with propriety be applied to various decorations. 



Design No. 08, Carl Toltie. — The colossal statue of the hero (27 feet 9 

 inches), is placed on the apex of the column, which signifies Britain, and is 

 supported by England, Scotland and Ireland, represented by the three coun- 

 terforts, each carrying then' respective genius (with appropriate emblems, the 

 Rose, Thistle and Shamrock) in inclined position, eontemidating the great 

 services of Lord Nelson. The divided composition is redeemed or brought 

 to unity below the basement by the three steps or gradius. The platform 

 with the three second counterforts, supporting the lions as symbols of 

 strength and power, conies next ; below these the steps are spreading to an 

 amazing circular extent, according to the immensity of British connexion and 

 influence, as likewise the great firmness of the united kingdoms. Underneath 

 one of the lions is the entrance to a circular gallery, decorated with naval 

 trophies, connected with the spiral staircase, which by 320 steps brings the 

 visitor on the balcony to enjoy a magnirteent prospect. The whole height 

 from the pavement to the top of the statue is 217 feet 3 inches. W\ the 

 sculptures of Scotch granite. Erected of granite and Portland stone, esti- 

 mate, 28,000/. ; and entuely of Aberdeen granite, 40,000/. 



Design No. 72, Thomns Hcllnmy.— the design consists of a platform 150 

 feet square, charged at the angles with marine and navnl emblems; the base 

 of the pedestal is sculptured with colossal models of first rates and victories, 

 and bears the following inscription ranging round its four faces : — 



TO ADMlIiAI. HOUATIO VISCOUNT XEI.SON, DUKF. OF BRONTF, 



This meitioriiil is ercrleil hy pnlific suhscriptioti, 



A. D. MPCTCXXXIX. 



Thlrtij-f(jiir years after his death, to evmmimoralc his unparalkted achievements. 



The plinth bears the names of Nelson's three great victories, Nile — Copen- 

 hagen — Trafalgar — and the memorable signal to the fleet, " England expects 

 every man to do bis duty.'" — The circular portions of the pedestal are sculp- 

 tured with a dance of'l'ritons and dolphins, oaken bands, ]irows of ships, 

 shells of the nautilus, and « ith the palm.— This design might be executed for 

 27,000/. 



Design No. 89, Frederick Claudins J. Parlcinson. — A triumphal archway 

 100 feet square, enclosing acirctdar temple formed of 12 Corinlbian eolumus 

 supporting a richly panelled dome ; under the centre of which is placed the 

 statue of Nelson, with various emblematical figures. 



The height of the building to be 70 feet. The length of each front in- 

 cluding the steps and landings, 140 feet. 



The cost of the building would be 18.300/. The statue and emblematical 

 figures would not exceed the amount of 8,000/. 



Designs Nos. 90 and 91, Richard Kelney. — Agreeing with Mr. Nixon that, 

 if a column be deemed an inappropriate memorial of Nelson, there is but one 

 other kind of monument which, under the circumstances of the proposed site 

 and the money to be expended upon it, can well be considered applicable to the 

 purpose ; the artist has, in both his seidptural designs, made the statue the 

 most conspicuous feature. In one composition it has been his object to place 

 before posterity all the distinguishing characteristics of the man and the 

 hero ; and to render it fitted to illustrate the poet's idea, " This story shall 

 the good man teach his son." 



It is pi^ipo.'ed that each face of the basis shall significantly teach one 

 great lesson. In this elevation, his mercy is chielly shewn. The inscribed 

 quotations of his own words, " May humanity, after victory, lie the predii- 

 minant char.acteristic of the British lleet," and '_' The moment an enemy sub- 

 mits, from that moment I become his protector," breathe that angelic feeling. 

 The sculptured group of a beautiful female pleading for a fallen warrior, 

 reiterates the charge : and it is impressed mure deeply by the basso-relievo of 

 the wounded Nelson rushing from a bed of anguish to save his drowning 

 enemies. 



On the remaining sides it is proposed, in like inanner, to depict his courage, 

 his perseverance, and his integrity. 



In the other design, the proportions of the masonry are altered, and the 

 groups at the fool of the centre block are intended to point out the immediate 

 results of his exertions ; as, theprotection of the East and M'est Indies, the 

 saving of Eg; pt and the Turkish empire, the general assistance of Europe, 

 the dissolution of tbi' Northern Confederacy, the exaltation of the British 

 empire, and the humiliation of our enemies. 



The bassi-rclievi in ibis front include the incidents of his death, his funeral, 

 and the general regret; which is ;dso further shown by the mourning figures 

 in the centre. 



The drawing of Pompey's pillar is merely intended to show the effect of 

 |)lacing the statue of Nelson on the summit. The substructure is also altered, 

 and the revolutionary dragon WTithing under its deadly wounds is intended 

 to point out the attainment of the great object of his life. 



In the three sculptural designs, the statue being considered as distinctly 

 the chief feature, all else, how ever colossal it may be in it.self, is kept sub- 

 ordinate and unobtrusive. It is anticipated that, from a distant point of 

 view, the mere mass of each would be perfectly expressive of that strength 

 and simplicity of character which marked the man ; that, on a nearer ap- 

 proach, the groups and statues would detach themselves and attract atten- 

 tion ; and that, upon closer inspection of bassi-relie\i, composed in the quiet 

 but expressive style of Grecian art. the interest wuiild be fully kept up. and 

 all the beautiful lessons of his life form a pictorial history, at once adapleJ 

 to impress the uneducated and to gratify the most refined. The artists who 

 submit them beg very respectfully to remark, that ihcy are only sent in as 

 sketclies; they feel them to be cap;ib!e of many and great improvements, 

 and regret that time has nut admitted of more than one being modelled ; but 

 should the leading idea of the cuin|iosition point out either of them as adapted 

 for the monument in memorial of Nelson, it would give them the greatest 

 pleasure so to improve it. as to be creditable to themselves and to their coun- 

 try. — With respect to the scale upon which they should be erected, that must 

 much depend upon the money which will be really applicable to the purpose, 

 but they conceive that the statues should be aljuut 30 feet in height. 



Samuel Nixon proposes that as to liis design the statue of Nelson should 

 be in lironze, the masonry in granite, and the accessory scidptnrc in the best 

 of our native stone. 



Richard Kelsey proposes that no portion of his designs shoiUd be in bronze, 

 but that the finest grained granite should he used in all the colossal work and 

 the reliefs, but thinks it may be necessary to adopt other material for the 

 main groups of statues. 



Ricliar<l Kelsey would wish the model of Pompey's pillar to lie ten feet in 

 (Uameter, and has no doubt of being able to give the shaft the appearance of 

 being hewn out of one stone, and thus to obtain all that imposing efl'ect 

 which appertains to monolithal monuments. 



Design No. 97, James Henry Nixon. — This design is a monnmcnt of 

 colossal dimensions calculated for duration, in which the form is simple, the 

 material imperishable. The statue of Nelson in a calm and dignified attitude, 

 is intended to he 30 feet in height ; and being phaced on an elevatcil pedestal 

 and basement, would ])rove a eonimaiuhng object from Parliament-street, 

 shewing the figure distinct from the surrounding buildings ; and not so high, 

 but from its colossal size, the features would be plainly distinguishable when 

 viewed from below : the total height of the monument to the top of the 

 figure, woiUd be 90 feet. On the basement is intended to be sculptured in 

 bas-relief, a representation of the most remarkable actions j showing the 



