Gordon Highlanders statue commission, Aberdeen

 

the Gordon Highlanders statue 

1.25 life-size.  Bronze.  Castlegate, Aberdeen. 2011

 

 

The Gordon Highlanders, renowned regiment of the North-East of Scotland, was raised in 1794 and amalgamated into The Scottish Regiment in 1994.

In 2010, Aberdeen City Council initiated a project to commemorate the Regiment and a shortlist of sculptors was drawn from a nationwide competition.

After a series of presentations and interviews, I was awarded the commission by Aberdeen City Council in 2010. The work was unveiled by Prince Charles on 15th October, 2011.

“This enormously prestigious commission has been an honour to create. For the composition, I set out to visually convey an idea of the historical span of the Regiment. The two soldiers stand and kneel back to back on terrain and are portrayed as if from each end of the Regiment’s historical spectrum. 

The figures are neither specific people nor officers. Rather, the two men are symbols of the spirit of the Regiment, defending us whilst protecting and looking out for each other – brotherhood over the centuries. In my treatment of the sculpture, I have explored rhythms of movement within the figures, kit and weaponry to create harmonious linkages that tie the composition together.” 

 

TESTIMONIALS

“I would like to express my admiration for this very unique, wonderful and imposing commemorative statue.
Both figures are quite excellent and portray the healthy pride, steadfast courage, professionalism and comradeship of our great family Regiment. Thank you not only for that, but also for the very real interest and care that you took over the whole project.”

Lieutenant General Sir Peter Graham KCB CBE.

 

“Your interpretation is superb. Your piece is a complete story from which ever angle you view it. It has real depth and height and sparks the imagination and you have done all Gordon Highlanders proud. Thank you very much.”

Maurice Gibson Major (Retd) MBE - Regimental Secretary

 

 "One word - brilliant! Honestly, I think you've done a remarkable job that will be admired and respected forever. I caught the statue in the late afternoon light, as the sun was streaming down Union Street onto the face of the Waterloo Gordon making him glow. The colour, the details, the poses and especially the facial expressions - fabulous. All the volunteers I've spoken to so far who have seen the statue have had nothing but compliments."


Jesper Ericsson (Curator - The Gordon Highlanders Museum)