NEN Gallery

Prince Albert - Queen Victoria's husband - died of typhoid fever at the age of 42. Soon after his death it was determined that a national memorial be created to recognise the British public's deep sense of loss.

Officially titled the 'Prince Consort National Memorial', it celebrates Victorian achievement and Prince Albert's passions and interests. Marble figures representing Europe, Asia, Africa and America stand at each corner of the memorial, and higher up are further figures representing manufacture, commerce, agriculture and engineering. Yet further up, near the top, are gilded bronze statues of the angels and virtues.

All around the base of the memorial the Parnassus frieze depicts celebrated painters, poets sculptors, musicians and architects, reflecting Albert's enthusiasm for the arts. There are 187 exqusitely carved figures in the frieze, and the tour gives you exclusive access inside the memorial railings, so you can appreciate the craftsmanship up close.