Aneurin Bevan Statue by Robert Thomas (1987)
A powerful bronze tribute in Cardiff to Aneurin Bevan, visionary founder of the NHS, sculpted by Robert Thomas in 1987.
This bronze statue of Aneurin Bevan, located at the west end of Queen Street in Cardiff, commemorates the founder of the National Health Service (NHS). Created by Welsh sculptor Robert Thomas and unveiled in 1987, it captures Bevan in mid-oration with his right arm extended, symbolizing his powerful advocacy for social justice and healthcare equality. The statue stands as a tribute to Bevan’s legacy and his impact on British healthcare.
A brief summary to Aneurin Bevan Statue by Robert Thomas (1987)
- Cardiff, Cardiff, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit early in the day for quieter moments to reflect on Bevan’s legacy away from the busy shopping crowds.
- Combine your visit with a walk around Cardiff’s Queen Street to see other Robert Thomas sculptures nearby.
- Learn about Bevan’s life and the NHS history to deepen your appreciation of the statue’s significance.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take local Cardiff bus services to the Queen Street stop, approximately 10 to 20 minutes from Cardiff Central Station. Buses run frequently throughout the day. A single fare costs around £2.00–£3.00. Note that bus stops are well signposted but can be busy during peak hours.
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Train and Walk
From Cardiff Central railway station, it is a 15 to 20-minute walk to the statue along pedestrian-friendly streets. The route is mostly flat and accessible, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
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Taxi
A taxi ride from Cardiff Central Station to Queen Street takes about 5 to 10 minutes depending on traffic. Typical fares range from £5 to £8. Taxis are readily available but can be limited during peak shopping periods.
Aneurin Bevan Statue by Robert Thomas (1987) location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Aneurin Bevan Statue by Robert Thomas (1987)
Aneurin Bevan: Champion of the NHS and Social Justice
The statue honors Aneurin Bevan, affectionately known as Nye, who was born in Tredegar in 1897. Leaving school at 13, he worked as a coal miner before educating himself at Tredegar Workmen’s Hall and later winning a scholarship to London’s Central Labour College. Bevan’s political career began in local councils and culminated in his election as Labour MP for Ebbw Vale in 1929. As Minister of Health after the 1945 Labour victory, he was the driving force behind the creation of the NHS in 1948, introducing free medical and dental care for all who contributed to National Insurance. His unwavering commitment to healthcare reform faced strong opposition but ultimately transformed British society.Robert Thomas and His Artistic Vision
The sculptor Robert Thomas (1926–1999), a renowned Welsh artist from Cwmparc in the Rhondda Valley, created this statue in 1987. Thomas was celebrated for his bronze sculptures that conveyed warmth and humanity, contrasting with the more formal Victorian statues common in Cardiff. His works, including several in central Cardiff, are known for their naturalism and heroic formality. The Bevan statue depicts him in full flow, with an outstretched arm emphasizing his oratory power. Thomas’s artistic legacy includes other notable public sculptures such as the bust of Princess Diana and figures representing Welsh life and identity.The Statue’s Place in Cardiff’s Cultural Landscape
Situated at the head of Queen Street, opposite Cardiff Castle, the statue is a prominent landmark in the city’s bustling shopping district. It is part of a collection of Robert Thomas’s sculptures around Cardiff that celebrate Welsh heritage and public figures. The statue not only memorializes Bevan’s political achievements but also symbolizes the values of social equality and public service that resonate deeply in Welsh culture. It stands as a reminder of the transformative post-war era and Bevan’s enduring influence on healthcare and housing standards.Design and Symbolism
The bronze statue captures Bevan’s dynamic personality, portraying him mid-speech with his right arm extended to emphasize a point, symbolizing his passionate advocacy. The choice of bronze and the statue’s realistic style reflect Thomas’s commitment to human warmth and accessibility in public art. The statue’s location at a busy urban intersection ensures it remains a visible and integral part of Cardiff’s civic identity, inviting reflection on Bevan’s legacy amid the city’s vibrant daily life.Legacy and Commemoration
Bevan’s impact extended beyond healthcare; he was also a proponent of improved council housing and social welfare. After resigning from the cabinet in 1951 over NHS charges, he continued to influence Labour politics until his death in 1960. His funeral at Westminster Abbey and memorial stones near Tredegar underline his national significance. The statue in Cardiff serves as a focal point for remembering his vision of a fairer society and the NHS as a cornerstone of British social policy.Robert Thomas’s Contribution to Welsh Art
Thomas’s work helped define modern Welsh sculpture, blending realism with a heroic style that captured the spirit of his subjects. His sculptures in Cardiff, including the Bevan statue, Mother and Son, The Family, and The Miner, celebrate Welsh identity and community. His artistic approach brought a new confidence to Wales in the late 20th century, making his works enduring symbols of national pride and cultural heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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