Sculpture to be installed commemorating the life of Charles Dickens

(Image courtesy of the Cuming Museum, London Borough of Southwark)

The commemorative sculpture, supported by landscaping, will re-create the sign of the 'Dog and Pot' and be situated on the corner of Blackfriars Road and Union Street in Southwark. The sculpture will celebrate Southwark's unique culture and heritage and create a historical landmark within the frontage of Rowland Hill House, overseeing the Blackfriars Road.

The sculpture bears reference to the original location of the Dog and Pot sign which existed in the same location between the end of the 18th century until 1931. The original sign belonged to an ironmonger's and was mounted on a bracket that projected from the corner. Dickens passed it regularly in the 1820s as he walked home from his work in a blacking factory at Charing Cross to his lodging in Lant Street, Southwark. The dog and pot image was depicted on coal plates that were made by firms on this site.

The original fine brass and wood sign was sold in 1931 and is now on display in the Cuming Museum. It will be featured as part of the museum's Dickens exhibition, opening in late May, exploring the author's early life and times in Southwark.

The sculpture will be an exact replica of the original sign, carved in wood, and will stand on a bracket, which will be mounted in turn on a tall, reclaimed Victorian lamppost. An inscription will be incised in stone on the ground in front of the post. This will stand in a circular area defined by Victorian-style railings, with the gardens of Nelson Square behind. There will be sufficient space for pedestrians and wheelchairs to view the sculpture and read the inscription.

Cllr Veronica Ward, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Sport and the Olympics said:

"This Wooden sculpture will add some real historical interest, not only to Blackfriars Road and Union Street, but for the borough as a whole. We have a strong connection to the life and works of Charles Dickens who not only lived here and worked nearby, but mentioned places and landmarks from the borough in several of his works.