Pope's Urn

Pope's Urn is a corten steel sculpture standing on a pedestal at the riverside, surrounded by wooden benches arranged in a circular pattern. The structure rises approximately 8 feet and overlooks the Thames.

The sculpture was commissioned in 2015 to honor Alexander Pope, who resided in Twickenham for 25 years and designed influential gardens there. The work was created to commemorate this important 18th-century poet's literary legacy.

The benches surrounding the urn display enduring quotes from Pope's works, including 'To err is human, to forgive divine' and 'Hope springs eternal', which visitors can read while sitting.

The sculpture is freely accessible at Champion's Wharf and is surrounded by easily walkable paths. The location offers good river views and works well as a brief stop during a walk around Twickenham.

The design reproduces a lost historical urn that Pope created in the 18th century for a friend's garden at Hagley Hall in Worcestershire. This reproduction directly connects the present location to a significant episode from Pope's own creative life.

Location: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

Inception: 2015

Architects: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios

GPS coordinates: 51.44661,-0.32458

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:02