Unveiling of the Jane Austen Statue

Jane Austen’s grave is a principal destination for many visitors, though it doesn’t do justice to her moral vision or enduring literary legacy.

The Cathedral Chapter have therefore worked in close collaboration with Martin Jennings, one of the country’s leading figurative sculptors (more recently known for his portrait of King Charles III for the Royal Mint), to develop an outdoor memorial to Austen.

There are no uncontested portraits of Jane Austen, but Jennings has studied the available evidence to produce a likeness. His overall conception, reflected in her expression and posture, emphasises her moral vision and the strength of her literary legacy.

Located in the Inner Close, set against the homely backdrop of No 9 the Close, she stands as an authoritative and elegant figure, with her characteristic ringlets and cap, by her famous writing table.

The sculpture aims to represent her as closely to life-size as possible: Austen was about 1.7m.