Dr Johnson Statue

The Dr Johnson Statue, located in Market Square, Lichfield, is a Grade II* listed statue of Dr Samuel Johnson, created in 1838 by Richard Cockle Lucas. The statue is made of ashlar and depicts a seated Johnson on a plinth. The plinth features a torus moulding at the base and has reliefs on three sides that illustrate scenes from Johnson's life, inspired by Donatello's Schiacciato Relief. The rear panel includes an inscription commemorating the statue's gift by Dr James Thomas Law, Chancellor of the Diocese, along with a later plaque marking the 200th anniversary of Johnson's death. The figure of Johnson is shown in academic robes, deep in thought, seated on a Greek Revival chair with books placed beneath him. Dr Johnson, who lived from 1709 to 1784, was a prominent writer and critic, best known for editing the dictionary that is considered one of the two significant milestones in the history of English dictionaries.