List of public art in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This article is about the amazing public art you can find in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Public art means sculptures, statues, murals, and other artworks that are placed outside for everyone to see and enjoy. It's like an open-air museum! These artworks tell stories about the area's history, important people, or simply add beauty to the streets and parks. Let's explore some of these cool pieces of art.

Art in Fulham
Art in Hammersmith
Art in Shepherd's Bush
Images for kids
See also

Art in Fulham

Fulham is a part of London with a rich history, and you can find many interesting artworks here, from old statues to modern sculptures.

Historic Statues and Memorials

The Cock Statue: Perched on the roof of The Cock pub on North End Road, this statue of a cock (a rooster) has been there since the 1800s. It's a classic landmark!
Marshall War Memorial: In St Peter's churchyard, you'll find this special memorial from 1919. It's a crucifix made of Cornish granite. It remembers both the local priest who passed away and the soldiers from the area who died in the First World War.
St Thomas of Canterbury War Memorial: This stone cross is located in the churchyard of St Thomas of Canterbury on Rylston Road. It was put up around 1920 to remember those lost in the war.
Fulham War Memorial: Unveiled in 1921, this important war memorial with a sculpture by Alfred Turner stands in Vicarage Gardens. It helps us remember the brave people who served.
All Saints' Church War Memorial: This Calvary monument, unveiled in May 1923, is in the churchyard of All Saints' Church. It's another important reminder of past sacrifices.

Sculptures in Bishops Park

Bishops Park is home to several stone sculptures by James Wedgwood, all created in 1953. These artworks show different human emotions and forms:

Adoration: This sculpture captures a moment of deep respect or love.
Grief: This piece expresses feelings of sadness and loss.
Leda: This sculpture is inspired by the ancient Greek story of Leda.
Protection: This artwork shows a sense of shielding or caring for someone.
Affection: Created in 1963 by Joseph Hermon Cawthra, this stone sculpture also explores feelings of love and tenderness.

Modern Artworks

Clarion: Near Fulham Broadway, you can see this steel sculpture by Philip King, created around 1981. Its modern design adds a unique touch to the area.
Gateway of Hands: At Chelsea Harbour, this bronze sculpture by Glynn Williams from 1991 features hands, creating a welcoming gateway.
International Brigades Memorial: Erected in 1997 in Fulham Palace Gardens, this memorial remembers the International Brigades, who fought in the Spanish Civil War.
Statue of Johnny Haynes: Outside Craven Cottage stadium, home of Fulham FC, stands a bronze statue of legendary footballer Johnny Haynes. It was created by Douglas Jennings in 2008.
Statue of Peter Osgood: At Stamford Bridge, the Chelsea FC stadium, you'll find a bronze statue of another football legend, Peter Osgood, sculpted by Philip Jackson in 2010.
The Mother and the Child: In All Saints' churchyard, there's a resin statue by Helen Sinclair from 2013. It's a replica of an earlier bronze version that was sadly damaged.

Art in Hammersmith

Hammersmith also has a fantastic collection of public art, mixing historical pieces with more recent additions.

Old Landmarks and Architectural Art

The Black Bull: On King Street, outside the Ravenscourt Arms pub, you'll spot a 19th-century bull statue. It was placed there in 1904 and is a well-known local feature.
Swan Mosaic: The Swan pub on Hammersmith Broadway features a beautiful mosaic of a swan, dating back to around 1878. It's a lovely example of old craftsmanship.
Hammersmith Bridge Motifs: Hammersmith Bridge itself is a work of art! Built in 1887 by Joseph Bazalgette, it features the Royal Arms and the coats of arms of several historic cities and counties.
S. L. Swaab Drinking Fountain: Outside Palingswick House on King Street, this memorial drinking fountain from 1887 is a reminder of a past time.
Hammersmith Library Sculptures: The Hammersmith Library on Shepherd's Bush Road, built in 1905, has several architectural sculptures by Frederick E. E. Schenck. These include:
- Spinning, Geography, and Astronomy: These sculptures represent different areas of knowledge.
- Statue of John Milton: A statue of the famous poet John Milton.
- Statue of William Shakespeare: A statue of the legendary playwright William Shakespeare.
- Literature and The Visual Arts: These sculptures celebrate creative expression.
- Garlands and Royal Arms: Decorative elements that add to the building's grand design.

War Memorials and Statues

St John the Evangelist War Memorial: At the former Church of St John the Evangelist, there's a memorial cross put up after 1918 to remember those who died in the war.
Blake's Munitions War Memorial: In Margravine Cemetery, this stone memorial from 1920 marks the graves of 13 people killed in a munitions factory explosion in 1918.
Greek Runner: This bronze statue, erected in 1926 in St Peter's Square, depicts a Greek runner, celebrating athleticism and classical art.
William Bull Gate: This gateway, built in 1933, forms an entrance to Ravenscourt Park from King Street.

Modern Sculptures and Memorials

Draped Woman: On the A4 near Black Lion Lane, you'll find this concrete statue by Karel Vogel from 1959. It's also known as The Leaning Woman.
West Berlin Lamppost: On Westcott Lodge in Lower Mall, facing Furnival Gardens, stands a lamppost erected in 1963. It's a memorial from West Berlin, symbolizing friendship.
Working Model for Reclining Figure (Lincoln Center): At the main entrance of Charing Cross Hospital, you can see a large bronze sculpture by the famous artist Henry Moore, created between 1963 and 1965. It's on loan from the Tate museum.
Hammersmith Bridge Mural: Inside the entrance to Hammersmith tube station (Piccadilly and District lines), there's a mural from the 1990s depicting Hammersmith Bridge.
Etcetera: At the entrance to Hammersmith Broadway, this sculptural group from 1991 (arranged in 2003) adds a modern artistic touch to the area.
Memorial to Giles Hart: In Ravenscourt Park, near the lake, a memorial was put up on July 5, 2008, to remember Giles Hart.
Figurehead: Along the Thames Path, this metal statue by Rick Kirby from 2014 looks like the figurehead of a ship, facing the river.
Statue of Capability Brown: Unveiled in 2017 on Riverside Walk, this bronze statue by Laury Dizengremel honors Capability Brown, a famous landscape architect who used to live in the area.

Art in Shepherd's Bush

Shepherd's Bush also has its share of public art, including important memorials and modern sculptures.

Hammersmith War Memorial: On Shepherd's Bush Green, this war memorial with a sculpture by Henry Charles Fehr was unveiled in 1922. It's a significant landmark for remembering local heroes.
Memorial to the Shepherd's Bush Murders: On Braybrook Street, a memorial was placed in 1988 by the Police Memorial Trust. It remembers a tragic event where police officers lost their lives.
The Circle of Life: At the main entrance of Hammersmith Hospital, you'll find this sculpture by Sarah Tombs from 1993. It represents the continuous cycle of life.
Goaloids: On Shepherd's Bush Green, these sculptures by Elliott Brook from 2012 are designed to look like abstract goalposts, adding a sporty and modern feel to the green.