Memorial day - 34

I consider for a memorial or public work of art to be successful it must interact with its surroundings and most importantly the general public. Based on that criteria, one of the most successful is the bronze sculpture London Pride standing outside the Royal National Theatre on London's South Bank. Whether its a cold wet winter morning, or warm summer night, rarely do I pass the sculpture and not see someone having their photograph taken with the two figures, or interacting with the work of art.

The bronze sculpture was cast from the plaster original commissioned for the Festival of Britain. Two larger than life-sized women are seated on a plinth with a bowl between them. The plaque is set on the walkway before it reads: "London Pride" Frank Dobson (1886-1963). Commissioned for The Festival Of Britain 1951. Given by Mary Dobson 1987 and placed on the South Bank. Assisted generously by Lynton Property & Reversionary Plc and The Henry Moore Foundation. Arts Council Of Great Britain.

While receiving many prodigious commissions, Frank Dobson was not as well known to the British public as his contemporaries Henry Moore, Jacob Epstein and Barbera Hepworth.

The photograph on the right was taken last Wednesday morning as I walked along the South Bank, and shows the British comedian Sean Lock having his photo taken next to the two, appropriately clad figures. Sean Lock is a frequent guest on the popular TV panel game QI, and won the British Comedy Award in 2000.