Waterloo Vase

The Waterloo Vase is a large stone urn made from a single block of Carrara marble. It stands in the garden of Buckingham Palace in central London. The vase was first given to Napoleon I, who planned to have it carved to celebrate future victories. After his defeat at Waterloo in 1815, the uncarved vase was presented to the Prince Regent, later George IV. The Prince commissioned sculptor Richard Westmacott to decorate it with reliefs celebrating the victory. The vase was intended for the Waterloo Gallery at Windsor Castle, but its weight made this impossible. It was then given to the National Gallery, which placed it first in Hyde Park before moving it to storage. In 1903, the vase was offered to King Edward VII, who installed it in the grounds of Buckingham Palace. The vase is now a Grade I listed structure, recognised for its historical significance. Visitors to the palace gardens find the vase placed on a brick plinth in a rose garden northwest of the main building. The marble shows signs of erosion from pollution, and restoration work was carried out in the early 21st century. The vase features bas-reliefs of George III on his throne and Napoleon unhorsed, along with allegorical figures. Two winged busts of angels protrude from its sides, adding an unusual touch to its design. The surrounding garden provides a quiet spot to view this historic monument.