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This was the first public statue in Jersey, situated in a public square of outstanding significance to the island being the original town market with medieval origins. The statue replaced the old market cross and the market was renamed Royal Square at that time in honour of the king who was patron of the development of St Helier's harbour during his reign. The statue is of gilded-lead and shows a life-size George II in Roman dress – a popular artistic style of the day, which reflects the rediscovery of classical antiquity in the eighteenth century. Restoration works in 1998–1999 revealed it to be one of the finest surviving examples of lead sculpture in the British Isles – with intricate design work and fine detail. The statue was in place during the Battle of Jersey, and some marks on the surface could be attributed to the musket fire that ricocheted around the Royal Square.
Title
George II (1683–1760)
Date
1751
Medium
gilded lead & granite
Accession number
JE2_MPC_S007
Acquisition method
commissioned by the States of Jersey
Work type
Statue
Owner
States of Jersey
Custodian
States of Jersey
Work status
extant
Listing status
Grade 1 (Jersey)
Unveiling date
9th July 1751
Listing date
07/01/13
Access
at all times
Inscription description
carved into the granite plinth: GEORGE II / 1727 - 1760
Royal Square, St Helier
JE2 4WF
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