Description

James Fillians, sculptor, 1848; re-sited 1929. Statue of Sir James Shaw on moulded pedestal and stepped plinth; later paved concrete tiered base. Carrara marble figure, polished ashlar pedestal resting on Aberdeen granite base.

SE (PRINCIPAL) ELEVATION: 2 wide, modern steps; 2-course granite base; tall, square architraved pedestal with bowed front and rear. Inscribed to front bow: "SIR JAMES SHAW BART, Lord Mayor of London 1805. Born 26th August 1765. Died 22 October 1843. Erected 4th August 1848." Posed figure of James Shaw surmounting in period dress and mayoral robes; holding scroll in right hand and lifting robe in left.

Statement of Interest

Located in parkland off London Road, opposite the Dick Institute and adjacent to the War Memorial and former Technical School (all listed separately). The 1st Edition OS map shows the statue in its original position in The Cross from 1848. It was located to the NE of the Gallows site. The statue stood here until 1929, when it was moved due to increased usage of The Cross by motor vehicles. Thomas McDowall (stonemason) oversaw the statue's removal to its present site. Sir James Shaw, known locally as Jimmy, was born in 1764 at Mosshead, Riccarton (SW of Treesbank). As the son of a farmer, he partook in a rudimentary education at Kilmarnock Grammar School before leaving for America at the age of 17. He returned 3 years later and went to London to work with his brother. It was at this time he developed an interest in politics, which led to him eventually being elected as MP for the City of London. He became the first Scotsman to be elected "Lord Mayor of London" in 1805. He had the honour of leading the funeral procession of Lord Nelson. He was given the baronetcy in 1809. Shaw was a keen patron of the arts and bestowed generous gifts on the town. When he died, the Town Council was persuaded to erect a statue of him after his generosity to the town. ?1000 was raised and James Fillians created an 8ft high Carrara marble figure, using a portrait of Shaw by local artist Tannock (one of Shaw's proteges). Shaw is represented in his official robes of office. He is holding a scroll that represents the "warrant of precedence" he obtained in1806. This warrant revived the right of the Lord Mayor of London to take precedence over everyone except the sovereign in all public processions in the city.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q17791636

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

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