John Donne Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John Donne Memorial |
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The bust in 2014
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| Artist | Nigel Boonham |
| Subject | John Donne |
| Location | London, United Kingdom |
| 51°30′48″N 0°05′50″W / 51.51328°N 0.09732°W | |
The John Donne Memorial is a special bronze statue of John Donne. It was created by an artist named Nigel Boonham. You can find this memorial in a garden south of St Paul's Cathedral in London, United Kingdom.
This statue shows John Donne's head and shoulders, which is called a bust. It faces east, looking towards where he was born on Bread Street. Below the bust, there is a special message carved into the stone. It says:
Hence is't, that I am carried towards the West,
This day, when my Soul's form bends to the East.
The City of London asked for this memorial to be made. It was led by Alderman Hall. This bust is important because it is the very first public memorial ever made for John Donne.
Contents
Who Was John Donne?
John Donne was a very famous English poet and a priest. He lived a long time ago, from 1572 to 1631. He is known for his amazing poems and sermons. Sermons are like speeches given in church.
Donne's writing style was very unique. He often wrote about love, death, and religion. Many people consider him one of the greatest English poets. He was also a very important figure in the Church of England.
About the Memorial Bust
The John Donne Memorial is a bronze bust. Bronze is a strong metal often used for statues. The artist, Nigel Boonham, created this artwork. A bust is a sculpture that shows only the head and shoulders of a person.
This memorial is placed in a garden. It is a quiet spot near the famous St Paul's Cathedral. The bust is a way to remember John Donne and his important contributions. It helps people learn about him and his work.
The Meaning of the Inscription
The words carved below the bust are from one of John Donne's own poems. They are from a piece called Good Friday, 1613. Riding Westward. This poem talks about his journey and his spiritual thoughts.
The lines chosen for the memorial are quite deep. They suggest that even though his body might be moving one way, his soul or spirit is focused on something else. For Donne, facing east often meant looking towards God or his spiritual home. This inscription connects the physical statue to Donne's inner thoughts and beliefs.
Why is this Memorial Important?
This memorial is special because it's the first public statue of John Donne. Before this, there wasn't a public place to remember him. It helps people in London and visitors learn about this important historical figure.
The City of London decided to commission this artwork. This means they officially asked Nigel Boonham to create it. It shows how much they valued John Donne's legacy. A legacy is the impact a person leaves behind.
