GSA Guide - Thomas Joseph Ryan statue Claimed

Thomas Joseph Ryan StatueThomas Joseph Ryan (1 July 1876 - 1 August 1921) was Premier of Queensland from May 1915 until October 1919 when he resigned to enter Federal politics.

History: 

The statue of Thomas Joseph Ryan is situated at the entrance to Queens Gardens on the corner of William and Elizabeth Streets. The Ryan government was the first majority Australian Labor Party government of Queensland as a result of the 1915 election and Ryan became the 19th premier of Queensland, chief secretary, and attorney-general, and an era of industrial legislation and state enterprise began.

A memorial fund collected money to erect the 3 m bronze statue which stands in Queens Gardens. The statue was sculpted by Bertram MacKennal and was commissioned by public subscription. The wording on the bronze metal plaque on the pedestal describes him as: Scholar - Jurist - Statesman. Ryan's untimely death prevented him from probably becoming the fourth Labor Prime Minister of Australia.

Building Materials: 

The steps and base are made from Enoggera Granite (light grey) and dark Mount Crosby granite (Formation: Karana Quartz Diorite). The pillar itself comprises Helidon Sandstone (Formation: Woogaroo Subgroup).