A bronze statue of Rhodri Morgan, Wales' first First Minister, was unveiled in Cardiff Bay on Thursday, nine years after his death. The statue, located between the Senedd and the Pierhead building, was funded entirely by public donations and sculpted by Andy Edwards, known for his Beatles statue in Liverpool.
Unveiling Ceremony
Morgan's grandchildren and two great-grandchildren pulled a specially-designed veil off the statue before a large crowd gathered in the sunshine. His wife, Julie Morgan, who recently left frontline politics, was present with family. Friends, former colleagues, and staff shared memories, highlighting his approachable nature and pride in Wales.
Statue Design
The bronze statue depicts Morgan in casual clothes, reflecting his 'unstuffy' approach to politics. It is placed at ground level, not on a plinth, to make it more accessible. His loyal dog, William Tell, is cast beside him. The dog was visibly grieving after Morgan's death in 2017.
Political Legacy
Morgan served as MP for Cardiff West from 1987 and became AM for the same constituency in 1999. He led Welsh Labour and served as First Minister from 2000 to 2009. Elin Jones, a Plaid Cymru politician elected alongside him in 1999, said: 'This statue will tell the story of Rhodri the person but it'll also tell the story of Wales as a modern democracy.'
Fundraising and Support
Plans for a permanent memorial began in 2018. Fundraising events across Wales raised money for the statue. Dilwar Ali, a founder member of the fundraising group, thanked all donors. Commemorative books contained memories from those who knew him.
Attendees
Politicians from various parties attended, including Mark Drakeford, a former staff member, friend, and colleague. Sculptor Andy Edwards expressed a mix of excitement and 'abject terror' before the unveiling, praising the fundraising efforts.
