A FAMOUS son of Worcester, known for his sculptures around the world, has received more recognition in his home city.
A new plaque has been unveiled on the railings outside The Shirehall, the home of the city’s crown court, remembering Sir Thomas Brock.
The plaque dedicated to Sir Thomas, which will now be permanently on display to passers-by in Foregate Street, reads: “Sir Thomas Brock, sculptor of Queen Victoria Statue.
PLAQUE: The new blue plaque for Sir Thomas Brock
“Born and apprenticed in Worcester, Freeman of the City.”
The unveiling of the Worcester Civic Society’s blue plaque took place during a prestigious event, attended by distinguished guests, on Monday evening, (August 22).
UNVEILING: Distinguished guests attended the plaque’s unveiling
Among the speakers was Judge James Burbidge QC, Worcester’s most senior judge, who told those who gathered of his memory of first seeing the “majesty” of the statue.
“As I sit as a judge here and walk beside it, it’s a reminder for all sorts of reasons the service and importance that this building represents to this community,” the judge said.
He added the plaque was a “fitting tribute” to Sir Thomas.
UNVEILED: The plaque is unveiled by Ian Thompson and Caroline Jarrett
The plaque was unveiled by Ian Thompson, Sir Thomas’ great, great nephew and Caroline Jarrett, daughter of biographer John Sankey who wrote ‘Thomas Brock: Forgotten Sculptor of the Victoria Memorial’.
Sir Thomas Brock was born in Worcester in 1847, the son of a city decorator and contractor.
RECOGNISED: Sir Thomas Brock. Picture: Museum of Royal Worcester
He started out as an apprentice artist modeller at the Worcester Royal Porcelain Works but later entered the Royal Academy Schools.
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He became one of the nation’s leading sculptors and was made a Freeman of Worcester in 1913 two years after being knighted.
The Queen Victoria statue was unveiled to Worcester residents in 1887.
STATUE: The Queen Victoria statue outside Worcester Shirehall towards the end of the Victorian era
Among his notable creations are the Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace, and the Queen Victoria statue in Victoria Square, Birmingham.
Sir Thomas’ work can also be found in Queen’s Park, Toronto, Canada; Sydney, Australia; Kolkata, India; Belfast, and outside the Houses of Parliament in Cape Town, South Africa.
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