Southend's R A Jones statues takes pride of place in Priory Park

The lasting memorial depicting R A Jones was created by leading Southend artist Dave Taylor.

R A Jones, a Southend benefactor who gave Priory Park to the town, lived from 1849 to 1925, setting up his eponymous high street shop in 1890.

In 1913 - in one of his most generous gifts to Southend - he presented the Jones Memorial Ground to the school children of the town of Southend in memory of his wife.

His legacy lives on, with his name still adorning the building on Southend High Street with its old clock that became a landmark.

The R A Jones Southend Jewellers back in the day. A statue has been created in his memory (Image: newsquest)

Now, Jones has been remembered as the new statue takes pride of place in the centenary garden in Southend’s Priory Park.

Noted artist Dave Taylor said he based the sculpture on a photo of R A Jones, adding: “One of my friends dressed in the same clothes for me to work from which was very helpful.”

He said: “It is painted fibreglass and concrete, and 32 inches tall.

“It is finally completed and installed in Priory Park - land which Jones donated to the townsfolk of Southend in 1925.”

Artist Dave Taylor said he based the sculpture on a photo of R A Jones. The statue has now been unveiled (Image: dave taylor)

Mr Taylor is a freelance sculptor, prop maker, model maker, working to private commission, with schools or community He started two years ago when the UK was locked down for a second time in the Covid pandemic.

In February, the sculpture of R A Jones was completed and the finishing touches were then put on the landmark sculpture.

The R A Jones jewellery store in Southend High Street, which shared his name, was at the centre of Southend trading for decades.

Jones died in 1925 and hundreds of residents gathered in Southend High Street to pay their respects.

His store was taken over by his son, Edward Cecil, and suffered severe damage during the Second World War following an attack in October 1942.

The shop bounced back before eventually closing in 1979.

Priory Park in Prittlewell was donated to the town by Jones - in 1917 he purchased Prittlewell Priory from the Scratton family, along with 22 acres of land.

Victory Sports Ground was given to Southend by Jones in 1921, and it particularly commemorates those sportsmen who died in the First World War.

The landmark clock at the entrance to Prittlewell Square was also donated by Jones