Photograph: The unveiling of the George Washington Statue

Lord Curzon making a speech at the unveiling. The George Washington statue on the National Gallery's east lawn is a bronze replica of the statue by the French 18th century sculptor, Houdon, which stands in the State Capitol building in Richmond, Virginia. The replica statue was offered to the United Kingdom to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the founding of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The statue was unveiled on 30 June 1921 at the eastern extremity of the east lawn and was moved to its current central position in 1948 to give symmetry to the statue of James II which was placed on the west lawn. Photograph: Origin uncertain. No neg. details.