18 June 1860. A sculptor is born. Right here at 32 Queen’s Grove, the George Frampton Blue Plaque commemorates the life and work of Sir George James Frampton. This plaque isn’t just a piece of blue porcelain. It’s a portal to a world of vibrant art, a testament to a man who breathed life into bronze, marble, and even ivory. Frampton wasn’t just a sculptor. He was a key figure in the New Sculpture movement, a rebel against the monochrome, a champion of polychromatic art. He wasn’t afraid to mix materials, to blend bronze with ivory, to inlay opals into bronze clothing. His early works pulsed with Art Nouveau and Symbolism, like the mesmerizing Mysteriarch and the tender Mother and Child. Frampton’s artistry extended beyond the human form. He designed household fittings, crafted jewelry from enamel and precious metals, and even designed medals for prestigious institutions like Glasgow University and Winchester College. He left his mark on London. He sculpted the lions guarding the British Museum. He immortalized Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, capturing the boy’s playful spirit. He also created the poignant Edith Cavell Memorial, a somber reminder of a wartime tragedy. Frampton’s legacy also includes statues of Queen Victoria, scattered across the globe from Kolkata to Winnipeg. He wasn’t just an artist. He was a teacher, sharing his knowledge at the Slade School of Art. He even helped establish the Central School of Art. The George Frampton Blue Plaque is a small tribute to a remarkable man, a master sculptor whose art continues to enchant and inspire.
Southfields Methodist Church
Curiosity stirred within the heart of Southfields as a new chapter began. Southfields Methodist Church held its first public service