Wed Jun 25 00:30:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

An Indian writer visiting London noticed the equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington near the Bank of England, strikingly similar to the statue of Thomas Munro in Chennai. Both were sculpted by Francis Chantrey, who also created an equestrian statue of King George IV. The article delves into the shared characteristics of the statues – the same horse model, posture, and absence of stirrups (an intentional design element). It highlights the challenges Chantrey faced with the Munro statue, relying on portraits and testimonials to capture Munro’s likeness. The Munro statue took a decade to complete and was shipped to Madras (Chennai) in three parts, where it was unveiled in 1839. The author also points out that Francis Cunningham, an apprentice involved in the Munro statue’s installation, later became an administrator in Bengaluru.

**News Article:**

**Echoes of Chennai in London: Statue of Duke of Wellington a Twin of Munro Monument**

**CHENNAI, June 25, 2025** – A recent visit to London has revealed a fascinating connection between the city and Chennai, India, through the works of sculptor Francis Chantrey. An Indian writer, while exploring near the Bank of England, discovered an equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington remarkably similar to the statue of Thomas Munro that stands proudly in Chennai.

Both statues, along with an equestrian statue of King George IV in Trafalgar Square, are the work of Chantrey, the article explores the fact that despite being equestrian statues being considered the same horse model, the Munro statue was considered the worst. All three figures share a similar posture and notably lack stirrups – a deliberate choice by Chantrey to honor their riding skills.

The Munro statue proved particularly challenging. Commissioned in 1828, Chantrey had to rely on a portrait and eyewitness accounts to create a likeness of the former Governor of Madras. Even the Duke of Wellington, later the subject of another of Chantrey’s sculptures, provided input.

Shipped to Madras in three pieces, the Munro statue was unveiled on October 28, 1839, complete with a 17-gun salute. Interestingly, Francis Cunningham, an apprentice who accompanied the statue, remained in India and became an administrator, with Cunningham Road in Bengaluru named in his honor.

Read More