Z - Zimbabwe House
For the startled Edwardian public the full-frontal nudity, not to mention the wrinkled flesh of a grand maternal woman holding a baby, proved too much. A campaign against the statues began, with protests from a group called the National Vigilance Society and a raging debate in the press. The Evening Standard declared that ‘no careful father’ would let his daughter see such depravity,
The statues remain today in a mutilated state following the removal in the 1930s of projecting features after pieces, some say of a phallus, fell off on to a gentleman passerby.
What a way to end A-Z this year.
 |
| Zimbabwe House, London |
This Grade II Listed Building on the Strand is now occupied by the Zimbabwean Embassy.
It was designed by Charles Hoden in 1907-1908 as the Headquarters of the British Medical Association. It featured naked statues by Joseph Epstein.
For the startled Edwardian public the full-frontal nudity, not to mention the wrinkled flesh of a grand maternal woman holding a baby, proved too much. A campaign against the statues began, with protests from a group called the National Vigilance Society and a raging debate in the press. The Evening Standard declared that ‘no careful father’ would let his daughter see such depravity,
The statues remain today in a mutilated state following the removal in the 1930s of projecting features after pieces, some say of a phallus, fell off on to a gentleman passerby.
What a way to end A-Z this year.
8 comments:
Hi Bob - that wasn't what I was expecting ... and yes - what a house to end the year on ... Zimbabwe and naked statues numerous ... my father didn't let me see them! Well done on another excellent A-Z ... I loved seeing the houses you'd selected ... great range ... cheers and now for a little peace! Hilary
http://positiveletters.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/z-is-for-zebra-zoo-and-zedland.html
What a grand building, and far larger than any building I saw on my recent visit to Zimbabwe itself! Of all the things to bump you on the head...!
It's farewell to Amble Bay!
A great ending, with an interesting story to boot. Thanks for all the great visits to houses up and down the country.
Phillip | Z is for Zines Zoinks! I made it to the end!
Great ending. People are so strange about nudity. Can't believe the challenge is really over. Whew!
http://findingeliza.com/archives/23192
LOL Imagine getting struck by a falling phallus. The Vatican had a few statues emasculated in its day. We visited Oslo last summer. Nobody bobs their naked statues. Find me here. LINK
I don't remember the naked statues debate. Interesting story. In a local deli store called David's there is a copy of the statue of David - used to be in all his glory but someone obviously complained so now he wears a loooong scarf. Ridiculous in this day and age.
I am at awe, this is a different post from all your posts this month.
Perfect way to end the challenge.
Thank you for regularly dropping by my blog. Congrats on finishing the A to Z Challenge. Every post was wonderful
A to Z Reflections: Looking Back In Time
A perfect way to end the challenge! I hope you have enjoyed it as much I have enjoying reading your posts.
-----
Eva - Mail Adventures
Post a Comment