Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain
Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, Memorial fountain in Piccadilly Circus, England
The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain stands at the center of Piccadilly Circus and displays a winged figure made of aluminum and bronze mounted on a stone base. The structure includes several steps that extend around the base, making the fountain a multi-tiered monument.
The fountain was unveiled in 1893 and honors Lord Shaftesbury, a reformer who worked for child labor laws and social improvements in Victorian England. The sculpture was created by Alfred Gilbert and marked a turning point in British public art through its use of new materials.
Londoners use the steps around the base as a casual gathering spot, sitting and watching the flow of people crossing the square. The winged figure above them has become shorthand for the entire area in conversations and directions.
The fountain sits directly at the exit of Piccadilly Circus underground station and is visible from all sides of the square. The steps offer seating, but they can become crowded during busy periods, especially in late afternoon and evening.
The figure was the first public monument in Britain cast entirely from aluminum, an experimental material at the time. Many visitors do not notice that the bow in its hand holds an arrow pointing downward rather than upward.
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