Central Park In Bronze

Location:  91st Street and Fifth Avenue

Artist/Designer: Sir George James Frampton           

Materials: Bronze, Indiana limestone

Installation: 1920

Funding: Committee of the American Stead Memorial

 

William T. Stead (1849-1912) was a widely read British journalist. His stories were among the earliest examples of investigative journalism and were very controversial. Taking on tough subjects, such as child welfare, raising the age of consent from 13 to 16 years of age, and many other social issues, Stead proved that journalism can sway public opinion and pressure the government into needed reforms.

 

Stead was aboard the Titanic on its fatal voyage in 1912. As the boat was sinking, he helped women and children into life boats and even gave up his own life jacket to save another passenger. Stead had many American friends and admirers who wanted to honor him for his deeds and heroism, and they raised the funds to erect this memorial in Central Park. A copy, the original is located in London on the Thames Embankment.