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5) Donald Dewar

Edinburgh

& Glasgow

Local Monuments

1) The Call

2) Monte Cassino

3) The Calf

4) Citizen Firefighter

5) Donald Dewar

6) David Hume

7) La Passionaria

8) Thomas Carlyle

9) The "Rock"

10) African woman & child

Location – In front of the Royal Concert Hall, Buchanan Street, Glasgow

Typology -Commemorative, political portrait, memorial, first ever ‘first minister’ for newly-founded Scottish parliament

Construction / Completion Dates - Unveiled 7th May 2002 by UK Prime Minister Tony Blair

Description – Patinated (a vivid green colour). Representational figurative Larger than life size, literal, standing political portrait. Bronze on stone plinth His glasses have been destroyed on more than one occasion. Due to this vandalism the plinth is to be raised a further six feet. Whether or not it will deter vandals, it is debatable. Posed in a fatherly manner with arms behind his back with a focused, determined and honest face

Public reaction to his appearance is mixed. The initial reaction from some members of the public was that the colour of the monument was too vivid and strong for the surrounding area.

Artist - Kenny Mackay B, 1966

Urban – Rural Context - Urban city centre thoroughfare, in retail and entertainment. Although the issue of location has been raised by members of the public. Some would argue as to whether the location of the monument is inappropriate due to its contrast in appearance to the surroundings buildings.

Rationale – Due to his sudden death it was felt that Scotland should commemorate his goals.

“There will be a Scottish Parliament!” – Dewar

However, the commission of this memorial had caused some controversy. There are some members of the public who would argue that Donald Dewar had not contributed greatly to Scottish society therefore it was against public opinion to create a statue for someone who is not greatly respected.

“ I did not like it at first until I drew it on location and then interacting with it and the general members of public.” Carolyn Barrett, Public Art HND

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