Memorial day - 36

St Pancras station was opened in 1868 as a monument to the age of Victorian architecture and railways. It has had a chequered history, while being a landmark Victorian building, operationally it was overshadowed by its neighbour Kings Cross. There was a debate during the 1960's on whether it should be demolished. Fortunately it was saved and now has a promising future as the London terminus for the high speed rail link to the Euro Tunnel. Following a £800 million pound makeover it has now reopened- all be it on the occasions I've been there, there have been as many photographers photographing the splendid structure as passengers waiting to board the Euro Train.

Two public works of art have been installed in the concourse: the 9 metre high bronze sculpture The Meeting Place by Paul Day, and the subject of today's blog a bronze sculpture of Sir John Betjeman by Martin Jennings.

The statue captures all of John Betjeman's youthful enthusiasm for all things Victorian and especially steam engines and the railway system. Much to the joy of the British public he was appointed Poet Laureate in 1972. In the 1960's he led the fight to save St Pancras from demolition.

In life he brought a smile and a laugh to peoples lives, this statue will continue to do so in perpetuity.