Work to spruce up iconic Wolves statue starts

Work on one of Wolverhampton’s most well known landmarks – The statue of Prince Albert – is under way with hoardings set to surround it for the next two months.

Hoardings surround the Prince Albert statue, in Queen Square, which is being refurbished by Wolverhampton City Council
Hoardings surround the Prince Albert statue, in Queen Square, which is being refurbished by Wolverhampton City Council

The memorial, in Queen Square, known as The Man On The ‘Oss, is undergoing restoration for the first time in 20 years.

Last week Wolverhampton City Council announced a revamp of the 19th century structure due to corrosion of its bronze exterior and wear and tear on its granite plinth.

Hoardings were installed yesterday with work to be carried out from 8am to 5pm Monday to Fridays. Businesses in Queen Square will remain open while the work is carried out.

The statue, created by Thomas Thornycroft, portrays Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert on horseback in the military uniform of a Field Marshall and displaying the Order of the Garter.

Resident Les Watts, aged 64, of Burleigh Road, Penn Fields, Wolverhampton, welcomed the restoration.

He said: “It’s worth every penny. This is a landmark to the city and is as famous as the art gallery and St Peter’s Church.

“Over the years youngsters have climbed all over it and defaced it but it’s important to Wolverhampton. Think of all those pictures of Wolves fans when we won trophies in the 1980’s they are all gathered around it – it’s iconic.”

Comments for: "Work to spruce up iconic Wolves statue starts"

sports giant

Is that bloke on the horse any good at football,

oldrocker

You can't have it both ways.

It's either The Man On The Horse or

Th' Mon On th' 'oss.

M Golden

Great to see, they should move on and knock down those buildings between Natwest & Barclays and create a nice big square in the centre of the city

Dan

Since when has it been the Man on the 'Oss? Never heard that. Doesn't even spell M.O.T.H.