Thomas Carlyle

Category: Statue

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Thomas Carlyle, Kelvingrove Park
Carlyle (1795-1881) was a writer, critic and historian. He was born in Dumfriesshire and educated at Edinburgh University. He is best known for his book "The History Of The French Revolution" in 1837. It is said that the first manuscript of this work was accidentally burnt by the philosopher J S Mill, but Carlyle was able to re-write it. But even before his death, some of his ideas and writings had become unpopular. This stone statue beside the bridge in Kelvingrove Park is a striking monument. The head and shoulders emerge out of raw stone. The sculptor gives the impression that Carlyle was a timeless, heroic figure. He is not shown as a standing figure, with ordinary clothing and his feet on the ground. Instead, he is seen rising out of natural rock, almost like a standing stone. Like many statues of intellectuals, he is shown gazing into the distance, suggesting thoughtfulness.