Conservation and Repair of 'The Copper Horse', Windsor Great Park

The iconic bronze statue of King George III known as ‘The Copper Horse’, which stands at the end of the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park, is currently undergoing a programme of conservation and repair.

The Bronze Equestrian Statue of King George III which looks towards Windsor Castle down the 3 mile vista of the Long Walk, was erected by King George 1V in memory of his father in 1831 and was the work of Sir Richard Westmacott RA.

Philip Everett, Deputy Ranger, Windsor Great Park, comments:

“The conservation of ‘The Copper Horse’ is part of The Crown Estate’s ongoing stewardship of Windsor Great Park. It is our responsibility to ensure that this historic statue is maintained for future generations to enjoy and that is why we have begun the programme of work now. We apologise for any disruption caused and we look forward to the work being completed in October”.

Eminent sculptor Philip Jackson MA FRBS FRSA is overseeing the repair work on behalf of The Crown Estate which is being carried out by Morris Singer, the company which has been involved in maintaining the statue for over 50 years.

The Crown Estate Chief Surveyor Andrew Dunning explains:

“The statue consists of an iron frame which is clad in bronze. Over the years, water has seeped inside the casting which is causing the frame to rust and the build up of water and condensation is exacerbating the situation. We will be using traditional iron foundry and modern techniques to undertake patch repairs and to allow the water to drain from the statue. The main sections of repair will be to the legs and the conservation work will take approximately eight weeks to complete”.

‘The Copper Horse’ will be covered in scaffolding throughout the period of work and there is no access to the base of the statue. Due to the nature of the project, the craftsmen will work in situ. As the Windsor and Eton Express noted in October 1828:

“Westmacott’s Statue of George III was so huge that 12 of the workman had eaten their dinner inside it.”

The repair and conservation work should be completed by the end of October.

Ends

For further information please contact: Sarah Halstead on 07918 121905 or email Sarah.Halstead@thecrownestate.co.uk

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