Bust

Kensington Library - Chaucer

Inscription

Chaucer

Site: Kensington Central Library (6 memorials)

W8, Philimore Walk, Kensington Central Library

The library, by E. Vincent Harris and opened in 1960, is the building to the south, the left of our picture. The Library Time Machine must be based in this building so, as you'd expect, have a very thorough post about it.

Chaucer is high up, on the back wall of the massive porch to the west; Caxton in the porch to the right. There is something of a tradition to commemorate on library buildings the great men of books from the past, but these two busts are of superior quality.

The other memorials are in the planted area just to the north of the library: from west to east: Princess Alice Garden - created, Princess Alice - unveiled, environmental, clock.

McMillan also produced the Lion and Unicorn sculptures which adorn the south facade and the gilded figure on the roof holding a star aloft - an exuberant lightening conductor.

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This section lists the subjects commemorated on the memorial on this page:
Kensington Library - Chaucer

Subjects commemorated i

Geoffrey Chaucer

Poet and administrator. Whilst living in the Aldgate, as the ‘Comptroller of ...

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This section lists the subjects who helped to create/erect the memorial on this page:
Kensington Library - Chaucer

Created by i

William McMillan

Born Aberdeen, Scotland. During the WW1 he was awarded the British and Victor...

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This section lists the other memorials at the same location as the memorial on this page:
Kensington Library - Chaucer

Also at this site i

Kensington Library - clock

Kensington Library - clock

The clock can be seen in our site picture and you'll undestand why we chose t...

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Kensington Library - Environment

Kensington Library - Environment

OK, not a memorial, but a pretty plaque that we could not resist (nor photogr...

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Kensington Library - Princess Alice Garden - created

Kensington Library - Princess Alice Garden - created

This garden was created in 1982 by the Kensington Society in memory of Prince...

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Kensington Library - Princess Alice Garden - unveiled

Kensington Library - Princess Alice Garden - unveiled

Princess Alice Countess of Athlone Memorial Garden This tablet was unveiled b...

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Nearby Memorials

Marcus Garvey - Haringey

Marcus Garvey - Haringey

N15, Philip Lane, 1, Marcus Garvey Library

This is the foundation stone for the building.

1 subject commemorated, 1 creator
Rembrandt

Rembrandt

SW7, Thurloe Place, 11, Rembrandt Hotel

Building erected in 1910–11 by Metropolis Estates Limited, designed by Delissa Joseph and built by Messrs. Ford and Walters of Kilburn.  ...

1 subject commemorated
Basevi at Belgrave Square

Basevi at Belgrave Square

SW1, Belgrave Square

Basevi was the architect who designed the square.

1 subject commemorated, 1 creator
Haile Selassie

Haile Selassie

SW19, West Side Common, Cannizaro Park

The bust was originally located in the garden of Lincoln House, Parkside, the home of its sculptor Hilda Seligman and her husband Dr Rich...

1 subject commemorated, 1 creator
National Portrait Gallery - Van Dyck

National Portrait Gallery - Van Dyck

WC2, Charing Cross Road

This building, 1896, designed by Ewan Christian, has 18 busts contained in medallions around the top of the facades. Starting at the east...

1 subject commemorated

Previously viewed

Viscount Cecil of Chelwood

Viscount Cecil of Chelwood

SW1, South Eaton Place, 16

Viscount Cecil of Chelwood, 1864 - 1958, creator of the League of Nations, lived here. Greater London Council 

2 subjects commemorated, 1 creator
Squadron Leader Brian Lane

Squadron Leader Brian Lane

HA5, Barrow Point Avenue, 17

Our thanks to Paul Baderman for the address and the press pack.

War dead | WW2
3 subjects commemorated
Ernest Bevin bust

Ernest Bevin bust

SE1, Queen Elizabeth Street

Unveiled by Bermondsey Mayor Geoghegan, Chairman of the statue committee. The committee secretary was Griggs. The list of Creators includ...

1 subject commemorated, 15 creators
Donatello
2 memorials
T. & W. Stone
1 memorial