Let's hear it for the king

Edinburgh’s oldest statue is in need of major surgery.

At the grand old age of 324, Charles II is in urgent need of a hip replacement. Now an appeal has been launched to pay his medical bills.

The statue, in Parliament Square, was crafted by Dutch sculptor Grinling Gibbons and dates back to 1685.

The need for restoration work is being highlighted as part of the Twelve Monuments Restoration Project, a joint initiative between the City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh World Heritage.

The statue is only one of two actually bought by the Council.

The other is Thomas Chambers on Chambers Street.

David McDonald, project manager for Edinburgh World Heritage, said: “The statue of Charles II has been an important part of the city for more than 300 years.

“In the past it was the focus of celebrations of the king’s birthday and a familiar landmark at the very centre of life in the Old Town.

“One of the main problems is a crack that has developed on Charles’ side, so in a sense what he needs is a complete hip replacement. To make that happen though we need the support of the public.”

The statue, constructed from lead and with an oak and steel internal framework, was restored in the 1920s, but recently cracks have appeared in the structure and it is clear that the statue is in need of attention.

The exact cost of restoration is not known at this stage, but similar lead sculptures have cost more than £100,000 to restore.

It is hoped we can start the works later this year, subject to successful fundraising.

Need to know

To find out more, contact David Hicks, Edinburgh World Heritage 0131 220 7723.
Edinburgh World Heritage is a registered charity. If you are interested in donating towards the project, please make your cheque payable to Edinburgh World Heritage Trust and send it to EWH, 5 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 5DR.