2-913-549 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Hood Memorial, at Kensal-Green, 1854. Monument commemorating poet Thomas Hood in Kensal Green Cemetery, London. 'The Memorial is an appropriate and tasteful composition, and will add much to the reputation of the sculptor, Mr. Matthew Noble...It consists of a large bronze bust of the Poet, elevated on a pedestal of polished red granite; the whole twelve feet high. In front of the bust (which is pronounced an excellent likeness, and has been modelled from authentic portraits) are placed three [bronze] wreaths, formed of the laurel, the myrtle, and the immortelle. On a slab...appears Hood's simple self-inscribed epitaph: "He sang the ' Song of the Shirt.'' Upon...the pedestal is carved this incription: In Memory of Thomas Hood. Born, 23rd May, 1798 ; died, 3rd May, 1845. Erected by Public Subscription, A.D. 1854. For the entire monument Mr. Noble will receive £400...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.