Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain Collection

Piccadilly Circus - The Hub of the Universe: The Centre of the World, 1900, (1933). The busy thoroughfare in Westminster, London, with horse-drawn traffic

The winged statue of Anteros (known as Eros) on Piccadilly Circus in London, England
The winged statue of Anteros (Eros), Piccadilly Circus, London, England, United Kingdom, Europe

Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, Piccadilly Circus (litho)
3094791 Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, Piccadilly Circus (litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, Piccadilly Circus)

Piccadilly Circus, showing the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain and the London Pavilion (b / w photo)
3102396 Piccadilly Circus, showing the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain and the London Pavilion (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Piccadilly Circus)

Piccadilly Circus, London (b / w photo)
3096645 Piccadilly Circus, London (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Piccadilly Circus, London. Postcard, early 20th century.); © Look and Learn

Mr Henry Cooke, of Finsbury Park, loses his new white grand piano in Piccadilly Circus. Mr Cooke, who had just bought the piano from the Scene Twist Club, Windmill Street

Eros Statue at Sefton Park, Liverpool, Merseyside, a 235 acre park, opened to the public in 1872. Circa 1970

In the Heart of Modern Babylon, Piccadilly Circus, London, England, 1850s-1910s

Piccadilly Circus, London, c1910. Creator: Unknown
Piccadilly Circus, London, c1910. View of the County Fire Office on Regent Street, with the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, also known as statue of Eros, in the foreground. Postcard

Piccadilly Circus, 1927. Creator: William Walcot
Piccadilly Circus, 1927. From " Disappearing London", by E. Beresford Chancellor, edited by Geoffrey Holme. [" The Studio" Limited, London, 1927]

Piccadilly Circus, looking North, 1927. Creator: Randolph Schwabe
Piccadilly Circus, looking North, 1927. From " Disappearing London", by E. Beresford Chancellor, edited by Geoffrey Holme. [" The Studio" Limited, London, 1927]

Piccadilly Circus, Westminster, London, c1910 (1911). Artist: Photochrom Co Ltd of London
Piccadilly Circus, Westminster, London, c1910 (1911). The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain by Alfred Gilbert (1854-1934) is dedicated to the memory of the seventh Earl of Shaftesbury (1801-1885)

The removal of the statue of Eros from Piccadilly Circus to Embankment Gardens in 1925 during the reconstruction of Piccadilly Tube Station. From These Tremendous Years, published 1938

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The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, located in the bustling heart of Piccadilly Circus, has witnessed countless stories unfold throughout its rich history. From being featured in iconic photographs and lithographs to becoming a backdrop for various television series, this magnificent structure holds a special place in London's cultural tapestry. In the early 1900s, Piccadilly Circus was hailed as "The Hub of the Universe" and rightfully so. It served as the vibrant center of the world, attracting people from all walks of life. The fountain stood tall amidst this bustling atmosphere, captivating passersby with its grandeur. One notable television series that featured this historic landmark was "Catweasel and Stoats, " a beloved children's show that captured imaginations with its whimsical tales. The fountain became an enchanting setting where magical adventures unfolded before viewers' eyes. Dating back to 1933, a lithograph showcased the beauty of the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain against the backdrop of Piccadilly Circus. Its intricate design and majestic presence were truly awe-inspiring. Photographs from different eras also immortalized this iconic spot. Black-and-white images captured moments frozen in time - from London Pavilion standing proudly beside it to busy streets filled with horse-drawn carriages passing by. Dubbed as "Modern Babylon, " Piccadilly Circus embodied both progress and chaos during its transformation into one of London's most famous landmarks between the 1850s and 1910s. Amidst all these changes, however, one constant remained: The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain gracefully presiding over it all. Atop this remarkable monument stands Anteros or Eros - a winged statue symbolizing selfless love - overlooking Piccadilly Circus since time immemorial. This timeless figure has become synonymous with romance and passion within London's urban landscape. Renowned artists like William Walcot and Randolph Schwabe have beautifully depicted Piccadilly Circus, capturing its essence and the fountain's prominent role in their artwork.