Bust of Sir George Grove

Sir George Grove was the first Director of the Royal College of Music. His vision and drive helped steer the college through its first decade. Even before his appointment he threw himself into the campaign to build up the necessary scholarship fund to support gifted students at the college. He was also responsible for persuading Samson Fox, a wealthy Leeds engineer, to bear the whole cost of the construction of the Blomfield building, in which the College is still housed. Shortly after the opening of the building in 1894 Grove announced his retirement, and was presented with this bust by the students of the College.