'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member Dragontree
N 51° 31.103 W 000° 07.577
30U E 699373 N 5711389
This superb pediment is on the southern main entrance to the British Museum.
Waymark Code: WM7PG9
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 11/18/2009
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member Outspoken1
Views: 29
Download this waymark:
.GPX File
.LOC File
.KML File (Google Earth)

The historical figures depicted in this detailed pediment decorate the top of this entrance. Designed by Sir Richard Westmacott the figures depict the progress of civilisation. They are a statement of meaning for what can be found inside the British Museum.

The museum was redesigned in the 1800s to include a Greek Revival façade on this southern entrance with the columns mimicking ancient Greek temples. The pediment is a classical Greek reflection.

Figures can be seen reaching out with glimpses of gold passed between them. They are dressed in classical Greek robes clutching weapons or tools. The central figure holds a golden ball with a golden staff and armillary sundial in front. Further along other figures hold harps and various animals are seen to lurk in the shadows.
Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: The Progress of Civilisation

Figure Type: Combination of two figure types

Artist Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: Sir Richard Westmacott

Date created or placed or use 'Unknown' if not known: 1800s

Materials used: Stone

Location: British Museum south entrance
Visit Instructions:
Please upload at least one photo you have personally taken of the sculpture and tell us a little about your impressions of the piece. Additional photos are always appreciated.
Search for...
Geocaching.com Google Map
Google Maps
MapQuest
Bing Maps
Nearest Waymarks
Nearest Figurative Public Sculpture
Nearest Geocaches
Create a scavenger hunt using this waymark as the center point
Recent Visits/Logs:
Date Logged Log User Rating  
PetjeOp visited 'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK 02/20/2023 PetjeOp visited it
Ariberna visited 'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK 10/02/2020 Ariberna visited it
Lynx Humble visited 'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK 04/06/2019 Lynx Humble visited it
Benchmark Blasterz visited 'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK 07/24/2016 Benchmark Blasterz visited it
pmaupin visited 'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK 04/14/2016 pmaupin visited it
Croupsie Croupso visited 'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK 06/09/2012 Croupsie Croupso visited it
Metro2 visited 'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK 10/24/2011 Metro2 visited it
Master Mariner visited 'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK 08/13/2011 Master Mariner visited it
CMJN visited 'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK 07/17/2011 CMJN visited it
Dirkjogt visited 'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK 07/12/2011 Dirkjogt visited it
Das M visited 'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK 05/31/2011 Das M visited it
jcurtis55 visited 'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK 05/06/2011 jcurtis55 visited it
bill&ben visited 'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK 11/14/2010 bill&ben visited it
2v visited 'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK 11/06/2010 2v visited it
The Pirate King visited 'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK 03/30/2010 The Pirate King visited it
Not So Lost Puppies visited 'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK 03/10/2010 Not So Lost Puppies visited it
denben visited 'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK 06/18/2008 denben visited it
Kubickovi visited 'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK 05/09/2008 Kubickovi visited it
ThePacman visited 'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK 01/05/2008 ThePacman visited it
Maciiik visited 'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK 07/28/2007 Maciiik visited it
JCX_team visited 'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK 03/06/2007 JCX_team visited it
Virene visited 'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK 05/01/2004 Virene visited it
chrissyml visited 'The Progress of Civilisation' - British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, UK 06/22/2002 chrissyml visited it

View all visits/logs