Plaque: Kensington Library - Princess Alice Garden - created
Erection date: 1982
This garden was created in 1982 by the Kensington Society in memory of Princess Alice Countess of Athlone, 1883 - 1981.
Site: Kensington Central Library (6 memorials)
W8, Philimore Walk, Kensington Central Library
The library, by E. Vincent Harris and opened in 1960, is the building to the south, the left of our picture. The Library Time Machine must be based in this building so, as you'd expect, have a very thorough post about it.
Chaucer is high up, on the back wall of the massive porch to the west; Caxton in the porch to the right. There is something of a tradition to commemorate on library buildings the great men of books from the past, but these two busts are of superior quality.
The other memorials are in the planted area just to the north of the library: from west to east: Princess Alice Garden - created, Princess Alice - unveiled, environmental, clock.
McMillan also produced the Lion and Unicorn sculptures which adorn the south facade and the gilded figure on the roof holding a star aloft - an exuberant lightening conductor.
