In the elegant grounds of the Petit Palais on Avenue Winston Churchill, a statue of the former British Prime Minister stands as a testament to one of history’s most significant figures during World War II.
Sculpted by Jean Cardot and inaugurated in 1998, this bronze likeness not only honors Churchill’s pivotal role in shaping European history but also symbolizes the enduring bond between France and the United Kingdom.
A Heroic Stroll Down Memory Lane
Standing at 3.2 meters tall and weighing 2,500 kilograms, the statue captures Churchill in a moment of determination. Clad in a long coat and military cap, he marches confidently with a cane, his left hand gripping it while his right remains tucked in his pocket.
The pose is a tribute to a photograph taken on November 11, 1944, as he and Charles de Gaulle marched down the Champs-Élysées during the liberation of Paris. The statue’s presence evokes memories of courage, collaboration, and resilience at a time when Europe was teetering on the brink of despair.
A Monumental Commission
The journey to the statue’s creation began with a public commission in 1998, just five years after the unveiling of a statue of Charles de Gaulle in London. Paris-based British businessman Brian Reeve proposed the idea, emphasizing the need to honor Churchill in a city that often celebrated its own heroes.
Funded by 3,000 donations amounting to approximately £250,000, the statue was officially unveiled on the 80th anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I, in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II and French President Jacques Chirac. During the ceremony, the Queen delivered a heartfelt speech in French, celebrating the camaraderie and shared history of Churchill and de Gaulle.
Words of Resolve
At the base of the statue, inscribed for all to see, are the powerful words, “We shall never surrender.” This phrase echoes Churchill’s stirring rhetoric during a dark chapter in history, specifically referencing his famous speech of June 4, 1940. The inscription serves as a reminder of the resilience required during wartime and a celebration of the unbreakable spirit of those who fought for freedom.