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Set on a greened hillock, behind railings. A fountain plays on eight rounded, stepped concrete blocks on top of which is Frink's sculpture. Slender bronze figures of a man and a dog. The man is following his dog and has his right hand stretched out as if holding onto a lead.

Was her first London commission and cost Bethnal Green council £1,000. Originally sited in Bethnal Green Market Square, it was subject to vandalism and was moved to its present site on the Cranbrook Estate in May 1963 where it is now set in a greened garden area, behind railings. In its original location, 'just a week after the unveiling ceremony vandals loosened the screws and pushed the statue to one side'.(1) Its present location affords it greater protection. The inspiration of the work was taken from the legend of the Blind Beggar of Bethnal Green, Henry de Montfort, who was wounded and left blind at the battle of Evesham in the wars with France in 1215, rescued by his wife and destined to spend the next 40 years begging around Bethnal Green. Legend has it that his beautiful daughter, Bessy, was courted by a number of suitors, all of whom save one abandoned their suit when her apparently humble origins become known. When finally married to her faithful Knight, her true pedigree was revealed and happiness ensued.(2)

circa

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At risk

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Bronze

240cm high approx (3) [measurement taken from Strachan book]