Plaque: Richard Grosvenor fountain
Erection date: 1870
{Each face is decorated with a mosaic panel. Starting with the south-west face (pictured) and then clockwise:}
EMW {below a coronet}
In memory of Richard Second Marquess of Westminster, died 1869.
W {below a coronet}
B 1795 W
The mosaics are of variable quality, within each piece. e.g. in the one pictured: the serpentine line is finely worked; the panels on the 4 sides are crudely laid with inconsistent colours (turquoise, gold, dark blue) and more cement than tesserae. We're guessing this is the result of ill-advised repairs.
The significance of the 'EMW' on the mosaic is not immediately obvious to us. We have no problem with the 'W' (Westminster). His mother was Lady Eleanor Egerton so perhaps that's the 'E'. 'M' for Marquess? Not very satisfactory.
Site: Richard Grosvenor fountain (2 memorials)
SW1, Pimlico Road
The 1954 film 'Cocktails in the Kitchen' has Dirk Bogarde and wife living in a one-room flat in the Cundy Street flats near here and, at about 30 mins in, the camera pans past this junction showing this fountain and the statue exactly as they now are.
