2000 - Statue of Charles Darwin unveiled by Sir David Attenborough
To celebrate the millennium, a statue of Shrewsbury School’s most famous former pupil, Charles Darwin, was unveiled by Sir David Attenborough on Saturday 9th September 2000. It is sited in front of the Main School Building, on the spot traditionally known as ‘The Drum’.
The statue was sculpted by Jemma Pearson of Clun in Shropshire. After extensive research, she has depicted Darwin as a relatively young man, physically robust and adventurous; but also as a man of deep thought and vision.
He carries a notebook, flask, geological hammers, a stick and, (on the advice of Captain Fitzroy of HMS Beagle) a pistol for protection. He has large pockets in his jacket and a satchel for carrying specimens for subsequent analysis.
He is setting out from the Beagle on an expedition in the Galapagos, and on the rock on which he stands there are reptiles and birds apparently unconcerned by his presence.
Photos: [to be sourced]
- Darwin statue
- Unveiling ceremony with Sir David Attenborough