Eros

EROS

The statue commonly known as Eros stands in Piccadilly Circus, which is considered the Times Square of London.  It is where six well known London streets meet and the name ‘Circus’ derives from the Latin word for circle or ring. When Eros was unveiled in 1893 it stood right in the centre of this circular junction. In the early 1980’s, Eros was moved slightly to the south and the traffic diverted to the north. This allowed pedestrian access right up to it, without first having to cross over busy lanes of traffic. It is said, should one pledge one’s love beneath Eros at midnight that their love will never fail.

Indeed, the Greeks worshipped Eros as a fertility deity and the god of sensual love, but in fact, the statue was intended by the sculptor to be Anteros, the twin brother of Eros, who was the god of selfless love. The reason being that the memorial was dedicated to the seventh Earl of Shaftsbury, a prominent nineteenth century philanthropist, who was a fine example of a human being who expressed selfless love and unconditional giving. The subtle difference between the twins was little understood at the time and the statue was widely assumed to be Eros. The authorities reckoned its, ‘brazen and impudent nakedness at the hub of empire to be too much’ and attempts were made to have the memorial known as ‘The Angel Of Christian Charity.’ Certainly, Anteros better suited the Earl of Shaftsbury, but the character of Eros was more fitting to the neighbourhood, with the seedier streets of Soho only a short walk away.

Eros is positioned up high in the centre of ‘The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain.’ The fountain is of bronze, in contrast to Eros, which was the very first British statue to be made from aluminium. The aluminium is fragile and Eros is usually clad in protective boarding to prevent revellers climbing atop, at times of celebration in central London.

The sculptor Sir Alfred Gilbert was paid £3000 for his efforts but it cost him £7000 to make and he was well out of pocket. It is hardly surprising that he was soon afterwards bankrupted and he fled to Bruges. Gossip of the day told that he was exiled to Belgium because the statue was so despised by both the establishment and the critics alike. The statue was indeed largely disliked initially, but the rumours were untrue and only added to his misfortune. After twenty-five years he returned from Belgium to England and received an overdue knighthood only two years before he died.

Alfred Gilbert’s Eros is a universally familiar figure, much reproduced and photographs of it are in tourist albums across the four compass points of the world. A graphic illustration of Eros is used as the symbol for the London Evening Standard letterhead, the perfect icon for the capital’s newspaper. For many decades Eros has been a famous meeting point and it is said that it doesn’t matter who you are, or from where you have come, if you wait under Eros for long enough, you’ll eventually meet someone you know.

Eros

Piccadilly Circus

London W1

Where to view video clips of London

London In Motion has some of the best London Stock Footage and London Library Footage with moving clips of many of the above mentioned places to see, are available to browse through by simply visiting the ‘Eros’ category of this website.  New additions of London video clips are being frequently uploaded and further categories will be appearing over the coming months.

Copyright: London In Motion 2009

Email: tom@londoninmotion.com