Sir Mark Elder CBE, Music Director of the Halle Orchestra unveiled a new Bronze sculpture of Sir Edward Elgar on Friday 13th March 2009 at 12noon sited at the bottom of the Birthplace cottage garden.
The statue was commissioned by The Elgar Foundation to commemorate the 150th anniversary in 2007 of the birth of Sir Edward Elgar. It has been financed by charitable donations and depicts Elgar aged about 40 sitting on a bench looking out toward the Malvern Hills.
Shropshire sculptor, Jemma Pearson, renowned locally for her sculpture of Elgar with his bicycle which stands near Hereford Cathedral, was given the commission.
Jemma Pearson said “The statue is designed very much with its setting in mind, which is quite an intimate and secluded space at the bottom of the cottage garden. The informality is emphasized by his loosely fitting attire; his jacket hanging open showing his waistcoat and watch fob, and he holds his broad brimmed summer hat and pipe. The period from which he is depicted, is that of the cusp of his career. He is positive, attractive and wholly approachable. The essence of the sculpture is one of Elgar absorbed in his appreciation of the views of his beloved Malvern Hills and inviting others to share the same”
