This picture is the original black statue of Singapore's founder, Sir Thomas Standford Bingley Raffles (1781-1826). Sculptured by Thomas Woolner, it was unveiled at its original site on the Padang in 1887, Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee Year. It was later shifted to its current location during Singapore's Centenary celebrations in 1919. The statue was spared destruction as it wa kept in storage during World War Two (1942-1945).