Sir F.H. Royce Statue

Location - Junction of Moor Lane and Victory Road, Sinfin / Artist - Derwent Wood R.A.

Derby's well-travelled statue of Sir Henry Royce is an attractive piece of figurative sculpture. It is a Grade II Listed Building as well.

The Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest has little to say about the statue, though. 'Conventional bronze statue of the pioneer of the motor car and partner of C.S. Rolls. Stands on a stone pedestal base and is the work of Derwent Wood, RA, 1921'. The list also mentions that the statue was moved from the Arboretum to the Riverside Gardens in 1972. It was formally unveiled at the Sinfin site in 1990.

At Sinfin, the statue and pedestal base stand on public display on an attractively landscaped mound which is part of the setting for the Rolls-Royce HQ buildings. The pedestal carries quite a lot of interesting information. It tells us that F. Henry Royce, Engineer, was born in 1863. Almost entirely self-educated, his work included the design and production of Rolls-Royce motor cars 'of world wide reputation'. He designed the Rolls-Royce aero engines which, amongst other things, made the first direct flight across the Atlantic in 16 hours and the first flight from England to Australia.

The statue was erected by the shareholders of Rolls-Royce Ltd in 1923, when he was still in the service of the Company as Chief Engineer.

Emma Owen, Corporate Environmental Improvement Manager at Rolls-Royce and a member of Derby City Partnership's Environment City Executive, commented:

'The statue provides a landmark, being positioned in a prominent setting at the hub of the Rolls-Royce sites in Derby.

Not only is it a splendid piece of artwork, it also acts as an important reminder to us all at Rolls-Royce that, largely due to this man, we are working for one of the UK's, if not the world's, most well known and respected companies.

Many Rolls-Royce employees, as well as many members of the general public, will pass the statue daily. Those that do may occasionally take the time to pause for a moment and not only appreciate this splendid piece of art but also to think back to what this man and the Company stand for. Whilst beyond the Company Sir Henry Royce may not be an instantly visually recognisable figure, he must surely be one of the most famous industrial historical figures in the world. Employees and the public will feel a certain sense of pride in this, particularly in relation to the significant achievements made here in Derby and the historical interest this has added to the City.'

 

The Derby Public Art Strategy sets the scene for future public artworks in the city.

For further information please contact the Built Environment Team:

Telephone 01332 255060  Minicom 01332 256666  Fax 01332 255989  e-mail urban.design@derby.gov.uk