This weathervane, Allegory of Folly, was brought to our attention by Londonist. It is based on a story that Erasmus wrote Moriae Encomium ('The Praise Of Folly'), an attack on superstition, riding from Italy to London, although it was probably written in Thomas More's house in Bucklersbury (just south-west of The Bank) during a week's visit.
Ministry informs ".. the expanded Whitechapel Gallery reopened in 2009. A new addition was the copper and steel weather vane, designed by Rodney Graham to depict ... Erasmus ... (actually, the model was Graham himself) .."
City of Vancouver informs that there is another version of this artwork, installed in 2008 on 1455 Howe Street. And provides more information, including the artist's thoughts.
This is a fitting image to adorn a library building.
Site: Passmore Edwards Library - Whitechapel (2 memorials)
E1, Whitechapel High Street, 77-82
Originally the 1892 Passmore Edwards Library this building is now part of the Whitechapel Art Gallery, based in the building next door with the stunning Art Nouveau facade, shown in our photo before the 2012 Rachel Whiteread enhancement which is covered by Ornamental Passions.
From Litro "... nicknamed the University of the Ghetto ... many writers who grew up in the area were regular visitors, using the library as an escape, and its books as an education. Artists Mark Gertler and David Bomberg and the poet Isaac Rosenberg were regulars, later to be known as members of the Whitechapel Boys."
