Bon voyage! Unearthed photos of the Statue of Liberty being built in Paris before she was dedicated to the people of America

Currently on display at the New York Public Library these remarkable photographs show Lady Liberty being build and exhibited in Paris from 1877-1885

The iconic sculpture, designed by Frédéric Bartholdi, was dedicated to the American people in honour of their independence in 1886


When a French politician remarked that a monument should be raised in honour of American independence at a dinner party in 1865 he probably didn't imagine that the result would become an international icon of freedom.



Édouard René de Laboulaye was an ardent supporter of the Union in the American Civil War and was thrilled when they triumphed over the Confederacy in 1865 marking an end to slavery.



During a conversation at his home in Versailles Laboulaye was heard to say: 'If a monument should rise in the United States, as a memorial to their independence, I should think it only natural if it were built by united effort—a common work of both our nations.'

Liberty, equality, fraternity: The impressive structure surrounded by scaffolding as workers complete the final stages in Paris

He may not have meant the comment as a proposal but it was nevertheless overhead by fellow guest and sculpto r Frédéric Bartholdi who agreed that such a project would be a suitable joint venture for the France and America to undertake together. Bartholdi set about designing the Statue of Liberty - an neoclassical sculpture of the Roman god of freedom - but due to the troubled political situation in France work did not commence until the 1870s. RELATED ARTICLES Previous

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Next Bring your own towel to the austerity Olympics: Our athletes... Ruins among the skyscrapers: Inside the abandoned Governors... Share this article Share The sculptor had already begun work on the statue's head and torch-bearing arm when on March 3, 1877, President Grant finally signed a joint resolution that authorised the President to accept the statue when it was presented by France.

Epic venture: Men work to finish the sculpture designed by Frédéric Bartholdi as a monument to American Independence

Work commences on Lady Liberty's left arm which now holds the Declaration of Independence

The resolution stated that France would provide the statue and America the pedestal. The location for the statue was confirmed to be Bedloe's Island (later Liberty Island) just outside Manhattan. Having got confirmation from America Bartholdi returned to Paris and completed the head which was exhibited at the Paris World Fair the following year. In 1885 she was finally disassembled and shipped to New York and a ceremony of dedication was held on the afternoon of October 28, 1886 where Bartholdi's hard work was celebrated by a parade watched by hundreds of thousands of Americans.



Under construction: Lady Liberty before and after her head is mounted onto her body in Paris



Daunting: Passers-by marvel at the Statue of Liberty head as she goes on display before her dedication in New York

The Statue of Liberty as she towers above the streets of Paris. She was disassembled and shipped to New York in 1885 before her dedication in 1886

Iconic: The Statue of Liberty remains and international a symbol of freedom and liberty for America and her allies

The statue has been an important symbol of freedom and liberty for America and her allies ever since.



These remarkable photographs, currently on display at the New York Public Library, document the statue's construction during her years in Paris between 1877 and 1885.

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