Two interesting things in this painting
The Shaftbury Memorial Fountain
In some ways this fountain is one of the most controversial monuments in London. When it was revealed in 1893 its ‘nakedness’ was criticised by many but the design was loved by most. It soon became a cultural icon, used as the symbol of the Evening Standard, London’s main newspaper. It is popularly know incorrectly as Eros rather the Anteros who it portrays. Anteros is the god of ‘love returned, while Eros is the god of sex, perhaps thats to do with the nakedness?
The Criterion Theatre
The Criterion sits directly on Piccadilly Circus. It was Built in 1874 and has a seating capacity of 588. Unusually its theatre is underground, the result of a last minute change in the buildings use. The theatre was designed originally as a concert hall. Because of the obvious danger of gas lighting in an underground setting it became the first theatre in the world to be lit by electricity. Its underground theatre was even used as a bomb shelter in the blitz.
Piccadilly Circus, London
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