Walter Hughes Statue, Adelaide

The statue of Sir Walter Watson Hughes commemorates one of the founders of the University of Adelaide and its first donor. The dark bronze sculpture of Hughes, displaying him seated relaxed in a chair set upon a large pedestal of Murray Bridge granite, is found outside the historic Mitchell Building on the University campus. The monument was created by Queen Victoria's favourite sculptor, Francis Williamson, and funded by Hughes's nephews.

Sir Walter Watson Hughes, who, prior to his knighthood was frequently addressed as "Captain Hughes" (referring to his being a master in merchant navy with years of service spent on whaling expeditions in the Arctic), was also a pastoralist and public benefactor. Born in Scotland in 1803, Hughes emigrated to South Australia in 1840 where he started business and took up land.

In 1872 Hughes donated £20 000 for the needs of higher education in South Australia, which led to the establishment of the state's first (and Australia’s third) university two years later. Frequently referred to as the "father" of the University, he founded the Chairs of Classics, English Language and Literature, as well as Mental and Moral Philosophy.