Who designed the two equestrian statues outside the Gallery and what is their significance?

Gilbert Bayes The Offerings of War

Gilbert Bayes The Offerings of Peace

These two statues are by the English sculptor Gilbert Bayes [1872-1953]. They were commissioned in 1916 from 18 inch bronzed plaster models, submitted in 1915. Cast in London, dated 1923, they were finally erected in 1926, but only after considerable deliberation as to the most suitable position for them. They were initially intended for the two edges of the Gallery front stairway and these stairs still bear traces of their earlier bases.

The one of the left of the Gallery entrance is titled The Offerings of War, and the one on the right The Offerings of Peace. The inscription beneath The Offerings of War reads 'That our house may stand forever / and that justice and mercy grow.' War holds a staff topped by a figure of Winged Victory. He also holds a bundle of swords and broken spear shafts. The inscription beneath The Offerings of Peace reads 'The real and lasting victories / are those of peace and not of war.' Peace offers the Arts and Plenty. These are represented by Greek comic and tragic masks, a lyre and some fruits.

(Research by Steven Miller, Archivist)