Bust

Old Westminster Library - head 1 - Spenser

We first thought Francis Bacon but he normally has more hair, and, so far, all the heads are literary rather than scientific.

Site: Old Westminster Library - 6 heads (7 memorials)

SW1, Great Smith Street

The foundation stone is immediately to the right of the central entrance.

Above the entrance: "Westminster Public Library, The united parishes of St Margaret and St John the Evangelist, AD 1893". In 1985 this building was threatened with demolition and was only saved by a campaign which brought about the Thorney Island Society.

The Listing identifies the heads for us, and we've numbered them left to right.

This section lists the subjects commemorated on the memorial on this page:
Old Westminster Library - head 1 - Spenser

Subjects commemorated i

Edmund Spenser

Poet.  Probably born in East or West Smithfield. Best known for the epic poem...

Read More

This section lists the other memorials at the same location as the memorial on this page:
Old Westminster Library - head 1 - Spenser

Also at this site i

Nearby Memorials

Nash at Church of All Souls

Nash at Church of All Souls

W1, Langham Place

This simple spire was heavily criticised in its day, even sparking a Parliamentary debate.

2 subjects commemorated, 3 creators
Unidentified head - lady

Unidentified head - lady

SW1, Cockspur Street, 25 (about)

Ornamental Passions says of this building: "originally built for the Cunard Line in the late 19th century (all the buildings in the stree...

Roundel 1

Roundel 1

EC2, King Street, 28

These roundels, below the second floor windows, are numbered from the left. Under other windows are: "T. C. C.", "1868", "H.H.". Number ...

Homer bust

Homer bust

SE1, Queen Elizabeth Street

The figures either side represent Poetry and History. Ornamental Passions has no doubt that this bust portrays Homer. Who are we to argue?

1 subject commemorated, 1 creator
Old Middlesex Sessions House

Old Middlesex Sessions House

EC1, Clerkenwell Green

Above the central window, this cameo-type profile bust of the King is draped in ribbons and swags of oak and laurel leaves. Carved by Ros...

1 subject commemorated, 2 creators