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On a granite base a bronze portrait of three orphan girls, seated. The central figure has a book open on her lap as if reading to, or teaching, the others. Above, on a granite pedestal, is a bronze, side-face portrait of Dr Barnardo with an inscription as above. Surmounting this pedestal is a bronze sculpture of a large female figure, seated, with two infants in her arms.

George Frampton gave his services as a tribute to the founder of the homes. The memorial was unveiled by the Duchess of Albany, 19 June 1908.(1) 'The monument is a spacious one and of a most substantial character. Curving walls of granite, to the height of some six feet, enclose it at the back and sides in a crescent form. On the face of the massive granite base is a bronze group, in relief, of three waif children, modelled from life at the Homes, the eldest of the trio, who is in the centre, being engaged in lovingly teaching the other two. Immediately above the group is a large bronze medallion, in relief, of Dr Barnardo himself, most successfully produced from a side-face portrait, the artist never having seen the Doctor in life. The pedestal is surmounted by a massive female figure, who is clasping a little child in either arm, the faces of protector and protected being a wonderful study in human nature. On the inner crescented walls already described are the texts - "Suffer little children to come unto Me, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven," and "Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it unto me."'(2) 'On a granite pedestal there is a bronze group of three figures - a gracious, female figure, symbolising Charity, with her arm thrown protectively around two infants. On the front face of the pedestal, which is of grey granite, is a portrait medallion of Dr Barnardo, and at the base are seated three children in bronze, almost life-size. These three have been modelled by the sculptor from girls now actually in the village. One of them is lame. Flanking this group is a long seat for the use of the little villagers. Inscribed in the granite along this seat are the twin texts: "Inasmuch as ye did it unto one," etc. and "Suffer little children," etc. On the back of the pediment of the memorial is carved this extract from Dr Barnardo's will: "I hope to die as I have lived, in the humble but assured faith of Jesus Christ as my Saviour, my Master and my King." A heraldic lion and crown at the top is modelled from a crest on the ring which Dr Barnardo was accustomed to wear. The total height of the memorial is about 18 feet, and is a dignified, effective, and artistically-proportioned work which will prove a worthy commemoration of its honoured subject. The design of the memorial is entirely the original of the sculptor, Mr George Frampton R.A., who has placed his artistic skill at the service of the Council without fee or reward. The granite work has been carried out by Messrs. Kirkpatrick Bros., of Trafford Park, Manchester, and the bronze group was executed by Mr A.B. Burton, of Thames Ditton. The foundations were put in by Mr Walter, of Barkingside'.(3) Unveiled by the Duchess of Albany on Friday 19 June 1908.

Dr Barnardo who died in 1905.

circa

raw year

Condition

At risk

Inscriptions

Signatures

Curved crescent-shaped wall surrounding memorial

Grey granite

180cm high approx x 840cm wide approx

Base pedestal with group of 3 figures

Granite with bronze figures, black patination

80cm high approx

Central block with portrait of Dr Barnardo

Granite block with bronze portrait, black patination

250cm high approx

Top of monument, group of 3 figures

Bronze with black patination

150cm high approx

No damage

None

None