This colossal bronze Achilles (1822), the first statue erected in the Park, idealises Wellington (bearing his likeness) elevating him into the realm of the mythological. The nudity controversial back in the day, implying truth, strength and honour, the pose unabashedly steadfast and vigilant. Homeric, but nowadays this would be Epic,....innit ?.

The 18ft statue of Achilles, the Greek hero of the Trojan War, commemorates the soldier and politician, Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769-1852). It was installed by order of King George III and unveiled on 18 June 1822. Located near the Queen Elizabeth Gate at Hyde Park Corner, the statue of Achilles was the first statue installed in Hyde Park and was commissioned by a patriotic, upper class society, known as Ladies of England. The statue was made by Sir Richard Westmacott using 33 tonnes of bronze from cannons captured in Wellington's campaigns in France. The body of the statue is modelled on a Roman figure on Monte Cavallo in Italy. The head is based on the Duke himself. The statue was originally completely nude and caused outrage so a small fig leaf had to be added soon after it was installed.

I'm all for Hyde Park and not once have I bothered to ever pause in my ramble to marvel at this statue. However, it is useful in its being located near the extortionate cafe: "Where can I get a twix?", "I don't know about a twix but you can get an artisan panini for £7.79 from the box next to that big statue", for example.

Impressive 18ft statue of Greek warrior Achilles in Hyde park. No resemblance to Brad Pitt.

The Wellington Monument is a statue of Achilles erected as a memorial to Arthur Wellesley, the first duke of Wellington, and his victories in the Peninsular War and the latter stages of the Napoleonic Wars. It is sited at the south-western end of Park Lane in London, and was inaugurated on 18 June 1822. Its total height, including the sculpture, base and the mound on which it stands, is 36 ft. The monument's colossal 18 feet (5.5 m) high statue of Achilles is by the sculptor Richard Westmacott, produced from melted-down captured enemy cannon. he monument was funded by donations from British women totalling £10,000.

We tried to meet here for the #PeoplesVoteMarch on 20th October 2018, but with 700,000 protestors (aka 1% of the entire UK population) in the area... it was rather too busy 😊

Massive statue. Very impressive when you come up close to it. Found in Hyde park. Not too far from Hyde park station.

Impressive huge statue dedicated to the first duke of wellington. Watch the elegant sculpture representing achilles

Nice sculpture at one end of the Hyde Park.

Love to visit this Statue with my daughter- She lives Greek mythology.

Monunument to the Duke of Wellington located in Hyde Park not far from his home at Hyde Park Corner. The statue represents Achilles. Interesting to note that The original inscription is of the Penninsular Campaign and Waterloo is added as an addendum.

A huge statue located near one of the gate/entrance of hyde park.

Such detail in this huge statue in commemoration of the Duke of wellington. Located in Hyde Park close to Hyde Park Underground entrance the statue gives an opportunity to teach young people about this famous English figure that helped to secure the British future .

The statue is placed in the most beautiful spot. All grass and trees. Nice place to take pictures for Greek mythology lovers.

I'm big fun of Greek methodology, so I couldn't pass by and no stop and say Hi to the great Achilles, who has helped me to finish many of my running races.

Larger than expected 18ft statue to commemorate the Duke of Wellington and unveiled in 1822.