What statue stands in Piccadilly Circus?

statue of Eros
Admire the Piccadilly statue of Eros, a beautiful winged archer poised with his bow, located in Piccadilly Circus. Erected at the end of the 19th century to commemorate Lord Shaftesbury’s philanthropic work, the original name of the monument is Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain.

What is in the middle of Piccadilly Circus?

Situated in the middle of Piccadilly Circus is Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain. This monument was erected in 1893 to commemorate the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury.

Was the Eros statue moved?

9. It’s moved about a bit. In February 1925, Eros was moved from his roundabout in the centre of Piccadilly to make space for the construction works enlarging Piccadilly Circus tube station.

When was Eros statue moved?

1922
The statue has been removed several times throughout history. It was moved in 1922 when the new Piccadilly Circus station was built (before the new station, the booking hall had been overground) – and again in 1939 for the Second World War and in the 1980s and 1990s for restoration.

Why is the statue called eros?

However, the name never became widely known and the statue was thence referred to as Eros, the god of sensual love; inappropriate some said in relation to the Earl’s commemoration, but hailed by others as an ironic representation of the more carnal side of the neighbourhood, into which Soho had developed.

What is the symbol of the policeman at Piccadilly Circus?

When the policeman, say, at Piccadilly Circus, steps into the middle of the road and puts out his hand, he is the symbol not of tyranny , but of liberty.

Who are the statues in Trafalgar Square?

At the top of the column is a statue of Horatio Nelson, who commanded the British Navy at the Battle of Trafalgar. Surrounding the square are the National Gallery on the north side and St Martin-in-the-Fields Church to the east.

Where is the statue of Cupid?

French sculptor and draftsman Edme Bouchardon carved this exceptional statue out of a single block of marble between 1747 and 1750, and it is currently on loan to the Getty Museum from the Musée du Louvre.

Where is Cupid statue in London?

Piccadilly Circus
The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, popularly but incorrectly known as “Eros”, is a fountain surmounted by a winged statue of Anteros, located at the southeastern side of Piccadilly Circus in London, England.

Are there any statues of Queen Elizabeth II?

An equestrian statue of Elizabeth II stands in Windsor Great Park near Windsor, Berkshire. The statue, designed by sculptor Philip Jackson, was commissioned by the Crown Estate in honour of the queen’s Golden Jubilee.

What happened to the statue in the centre of Piccadilly Circus?

In 1922 the statue was moved from its original location in the centre of Piccadilly Circus to allow construction of the tube station. The fountain base was stored in Clapham, while the statue stood in Embankment Gardens until the station was finished.

What are the best things to do in Piccadilly Circus?

One of the most prominent attractions in Piccadilly Circus is the statue of Anteros on top of a Victorian fountain in the southeast of the Circus. The statue is officially known as the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, as it was built in 1893 to commemorate the good deeds of philanthropist Lord Shaftesbury.

What is the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain in Piccadilly Circus?

The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain in Piccadilly Circus was erected in 1893 to commemorate the philanthropic works of Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury. It was removed from the Circus twice.

Is the statue of Eros in Piccadilly Circus good or bad?

Eros stands guard over Piccadilly Circus. (Photo: London City Calling) It’s the thesis of this blogpost that the statue in Piccadilly Circus has proved an ambiguous and ambivalent deity, presiding over – on the one hand – lust, debauchery and pleasure seeking, and – on the other – zealous attempts at urban improvement and moral reform.