Looking back at this photo made me want to know more about the figure and his connection to my neighbourhood.

Apparently the statue represents Spain and was part of a larger attraction built as part of the Great Exhibition in 1854. When the Crystal Palace burnt down the terraces below and the statues survived. I couldn't identify the person the statue was modelled on (if at all anybody) however I believe It was crafted by Italian sculptor Rafaelle Monti.

Now that I made an attempt to identify the statue I feel a bit frustrated at the lack of information on this and the other artworks in the park. It's almost like the picture has become something personal to me, like a photo of an estranged cousin, a family member. But I also wonder what it would have been like to attend the Great Exhibition; the roar of the crowds, the buzz and excitement that must have accompanied such an event, right on my doorstep.

Week 6 - TAP5: Writing On / And Photography

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