3-028-150 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Lamp on the Thames Embankment, 1870. Illustration of an '...ornamental lamp standard,...[recently] erected on the Thames Embankment Terrace [in London], showing the artistic design, which has an elegant effect, and is an interesting work of sculpture. The boys climbing the shaft, one handing up the torch to the other, with which to kindle the light in the glass globe above, form a pretty composition. The cornucopias, pouring out their gifts of plenty, may be typical of the reward of British commercial industry, as displayed on the banks of the Thames; while another device on one of the panels below, composed of the caduceus and trident, symbolises the mercantile spirit and maritime enterprise of this nation. The other panel presents a bold oak-wreath, within which is the date of the opening of the Embankment. The whole design is intended to harmonise with the lions' heads, by the same artist, which appear on the river front of the pedestals, both on the north and south sides. The artist who modelled the designs is Mr. Butler. The Coalbrookdale Company has executed these standards in metal'. From "Illustrated London News", 1870.