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Description: | Cowen is depicted standing in an oratorical pose, one arm outstretched, the other holding his lapel. The statue is set upon a curved pedestal, plainly modelled from yellow stone, which in turn rises from two steps. The statue is sympathetically modelled, conveying a real sense of Cowen's vitality. Additional Information: Joseph Cowen (1829-1900) was born at Blaydon Burn. He went to Edinburgh University where his political sympathies began to take root, and as early as 1848 began to take part in agitations for Parliamentary Reform in Newcastle's 'Complete Suffrage Association'. In 1856 Cowen was appointed treasurer of the Northern Reform Union. He wrote occasionally for the 'Newcastle Chronicle' before becaming its proprietor in 1860. Always a progressive he was a Liberal member of Parliament from 1873 to 1886. Cowen was a famous speaker, though it was claimed his accent was so strong that on delivering his maiden speech in the Commons some MPs thought he was speaking in Latin. Cowen also served as a councillor and alderman for 24 years and was a figure of considerable standing and respect in the local community. His library at Stella Hall was 'decorated with portraits and busts of Cromwell and Milton, Mazzini, Garibaldi and Lincoln, and the demi-gods who have lived to some purpose.'(1) He was particularly active in support of the Italian revolutionary Garibaldi (see TWGA49). Cowen retired in 1886 soon after the publication of his collected speeches,(2) and disappeared from public life.(3) | Subjects: | Statue | Source: | Vads | Creator: | Sculptor: Tweed, John | Identifier: | http://www.vads.ac.uk/large.php?uid=7537... | Go to resource |
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