queen alexandra memorial, marlborough rd., london

there is a languid eroticism to this brilliant last major work by alfred gilbert, with faith and hope kneeling by charity. it is supposed to be a fountain, though the water is hidden in a grilled trough, and the inclusion of two large lights rather overbalances the composition. like his entire oeuvre, rather a curate's egg, but a truly splendid one; this swan song of art nouveau dates from 1927-32.