The sailor of Victoria Square: Captain James Cook

by Attention: This post is over 3 years old and the information may be out of date.Attention: This post is over 3 years old and the information may be out of date.

83 years ago today on 10 August 1932 the Captain Cook statue in Victoria Square created by local sculptor William Trethewey was unveiled by the Governor-General of the time, Lord Bledisloe.

Black and white photo of the unveiling of the Captain Cook statue in Victoria Square by the Governor-General [10 Aug. 1932]
Unveiling of the Captain Cook statue in Victoria Square by the Governor-General [10 Aug. 1932], In copyright. Christchurch City Libraries collection CCL PhotoCD 8, IMG0009

It is a marble figure on a granite base, the inscription upon which reads -

 

James Cook, Captain, Royal Navy, circumnavigator who first hoisted the British flag in New Zealand and explored her seas and coasts, 1769–70, 1773–4, 1777

Although the statue survived Christchurch's quakes undamaged, his dignity has taken something of a blow recently as he currently sports a jaunty, distinctly Cantabrian hat.

Captain Cook with traffic cone hat
Captain Cook with traffic cone hat, Victoria Square. Sunday 2 August 2015. Christchurch City Libraries collection. File Reference: 2015-08-02-IMG_7472

Though his environs and view may have changed a bit in recent years, still he stands, looking always towards the sea...

For more about Captain Cook

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