Plaque

Oscar Wilde - Clapham Junction

Erection date: 23/7/2019

Inscription

{Circular, rainbow ringed, plaque:}
Oscar Wilde 1854 - 1900
Celebrated playwright and poet, was the victim of homophobic abuse at this station whilst being transferred from Wandsworth Prison to Reading Gaol.
2.00 to 2.30 20 November 1895.

{Rectangular plaque:}
This plaque was unveiled by Wandsworth LGBTQ+ Forum, Studio Voltaire and Network Rail in 2019, in memory of Oscar Wilde's passage through Clapham Junction Station.
Wilde was sentenced to two-years hard labour following his conviction for "gross indecency with men".

From 2.00 pm to 2.30 pm on 20 November 1895, Wilde was forced to stand, handcuffed and in convict dress, on the 'centre platform' whilst being transported to Reading Gaol. He was soon recognised and became the object of jeering, spitting and abuse as a crowd gathered around him. Wilde was so traumatised by the humiliating event that he wept at the same time and for the same length of time every day for a year afterwards. He writes about this in 'De Profundis', his autobiographical letter written to his partner Lord Alfred Douglas in 1897.

The Rainbow Plaque is a national scheme that identifies key moments and figures of LGBTQ+ history. This plaque also acts as a reminder of how hate crime is not tolerated in the rail industry.

This plaque was made possible by public donations. Thank you to all who contributed.

Network Rail
Studio Voltaire
Wandsworth LGBTQ+ Forum

The plaque was unveiled by actor Russell Tovey and Mayor of Wandsworth, Leslie McDonnell.

Site: Oscar Wilde - Clapham Junction (1 memorial)

SW11, Clapham Junction Station, Platform 10

The plaque is on platform 10.

Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of plaquesoflondon.co.uk

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This section lists the subjects commemorated on the memorial on this page:
Oscar Wilde - Clapham Junction

Subjects commemorated i

Reading Gaol

Former prison on Forbury Road in Reading. Designed by George Gilbert Scott. I...

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Wandsworth Prison

A category B men's prison on Heathfield Road SW18, known as the Surrey House ...

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De Profundis

Letter written by Oscar Wilde to Lord Alfred Douglas whilst he was imprisoned...

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Lord Alfred Douglas

Journalist and poet. Son of the Marquess of Queensbury and lover of Oscar Wil...

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Oscar Wilde

Born in Dublin as Oscar Fingal O'Flaherty Wills Wilde. 'Importance of Being E...

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This section lists the subjects who helped to create/erect the memorial on this page:
Oscar Wilde - Clapham Junction

Created by i

Network Rail

Government-created owner and operator of most of the rail infrastructure in G...

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Studio Voltaire

Arts organisation.

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Wandsworth LGBT+ Forum

A group that focuses on the development and support of LGBT groups, organisat...

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