|
More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
|
Eros
|
|
Britain's most famous statue, surmounting the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain in *Piccadilly Circus. Designed by Alfred *Gilbert, and cast in aluminium, it was unveiled in 1893. It commemorates the great philanthropist, Lord *Shaftesbury, and was intended to represent the angel of Christian Charity. It rapidly acquired its present name from its similarity to Cupid (his Greek name is Eros), who seemed to be aiming his arrow of love into a public place which was then much frequented by prostitutes.
|
|
|
|