A statue to be proud of! People share photos of heartwarming monuments that ‘enhance surroundings’

Statues to be proud of! People share photos of heartwarming monuments that ‘enhance their surroundings’ – from Anton Chekhov’s dachshunds to Paddington eating a sandwich

  • UK-based author James Barr asked people to share beautiful statues on Twitter
  • People shared examples that ‘enhance surroundings’ from across the globe
  • One shared a monument to Chekhov’s dachshunds in Melikhovo, Moscow 
  • A statue of Paddington Bear eating a sandwich in London was among favourites
  • Some cited statue of beloved TV detective Columbo and his dog in Budapest 
  • Comes after ‘racist’ monuments torn down in wake of Black Lives Matter protests

People have taken to social media to share images of the heartwarming statues that enhance their local area.  

Historian and author James Barr, from London, encouraged Twitter users to share monuments they believe ‘enhance their surroundings’ in a thread.

His plea comes after a number of ‘racist’ monuments were torn down in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests. On Friday, statues in Parliament Square – including those of Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi – were boarded up to prevent them being targeted. 

People from across the world shared images of their favourite statues in the thread. Some posted snaps of the stone tribute of Hachikō, a Japanese Akita dog remembered for his remarkable loyalty to his owner, Hidesaburō Ueno, for whom he continued to wait for over nine years following Ueno’s death. 

Others cited statues of Paddington Bear that can be found around London; one sees him sat on a bench eating a sandwich in Leicester Square while another shows the character at Paddington Station. 

A monument to Chekhov’s dogs in Moscow also received praise as people agreed that statues of animals were always pleasing. Here FEMAIL brings you some of the most treasured statues from around the globe.

People are sharing their favourite statues that ‘enhance their surrounding’ amid a global conversation on statues and their historical significance. Pictured: TV detective Columbo and his dog, located in Budapest

Conversation with Kermit: A statue of Jim Henson, the creator of The Muppets, sits proudly in front of the Adele H. Stamp Student Union at the University of Maryland

Conversation with Kermit: A statue of Jim Henson, the creator of The Muppets, sits proudly in front of the Adele H. Stamp Student Union at the University of Maryland

The statue of Hachik¿, known as the most loyal dog in history, can be found in front of the  Shibuya Station in Tokyo. Hachik¿ famously waited for his owner at the station before dying in 1935

The statue of Hachikō, known as the most loyal dog in history, can be found in front of the  Shibuya Station in Tokyo. Hachikō famously waited for his owner at the station before dying in 1935

Passersby in Leicester Square in London can find this adorable statue of Paddington perched eating a sandwich on a bench

Passersby in Leicester Square in London can find this adorable statue of Paddington perched eating a sandwich on a bench

In Moscow, this cute statue shows a mouse knitting a DNA sequence. It commemorates the unique way the animal has contributed to advancing science throughout the years

In Moscow, this cute statue shows a mouse knitting a DNA sequence. It commemorates the unique way the animal has contributed to advancing science throughout the years 

These statues of playwright Anton Chekhov's two dogs can be found in the Melikhovo estate of suburban Moscow

These statues of playwright Anton Chekhov’s two dogs can be found in the Melikhovo estate of suburban Moscow

In Missouri, people have erected a statue celebrating the life and work of psychic dog Jim 'The Wonder Dog' who passed away in 1937

In Missouri, people have erected a statue celebrating the life and work of psychic dog Jim ‘The Wonder Dog’ who passed away in 1937

The Hometown of cartoonist Charles Schulz - St Paul, Minnesota - is peppered with statues commemorating his character Peanut, including this monument

The Hometown of cartoonist Charles Schulz – St Paul, Minnesota – is peppered with statues commemorating his character Peanut, including this monument 

A statue of Star Wars spiritual guide Yoda located in San Francisco was cited by one of the participants for bringing them joy

A statue of Star Wars spiritual guide Yoda located in San Francisco was cited by one of the participants for bringing them joy

This funny statue (right) of stray cat Tombili (pictured left) relaxing in Istanbul was shared in the same Twitter thread

This funny statue (right) of stray cat Tombili (pictured left) relaxing in Istanbul was shared in the same Twitter thread 

This statue of a 'slightly judgmental sloth' located at LA Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles was also shared in the Twitter thread

This statue of a ‘slightly judgmental sloth’ located at LA Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles was also shared in the Twitter thread

Lily, a goose who settled herself near a tram's final stop in Vienna in the 1970s, also got a statue which is beloved by locals

Lily, a goose who settled herself near a tram’s final stop in Vienna in the 1970s, also got a statue which is beloved by locals

In Boston, Make Way for Ducklings, by Nancy Schön, is rightfully one of the city's favourite works of arts

In Boston, Make Way for Ducklings, by Nancy Schön, is rightfully one of the city’s favourite works of arts

This statue of Greyfriars Bobby, the dog who guarded his owner's grave before dying himself in 1872, also featured in the thread

This statue of Greyfriars Bobby, the dog who guarded his owner’s grave before dying himself in 1872, also featured in the thread