I wasn't sure what this animal was at first...
Foundling Estate...
It's a Lamb on the drain pipe and bollard...
We are at the junction of Guilford Street and Mecklenburgh Place WC1 where I came across this rather interesting looking bollard.Its design is rather simple with a cylindrical reasonably tall body but the upper ridged white painted part has a tale to tell about the local area know has Coram Fields which just so happens to house the wonderful Foundling Museum. Please note if you happen to be a licensed London taxi-cab driver admission is free on production of your badge and bill.
The bollard has a picture of an animal on one side and I wasn't quite sure what animal/creature it happened to be but after a quick visit to the museum (40 Brunswick Square) it was clear the animal upon the bollard is a Lamb. The Lamb can also be found adorning the upper part of the drain pipes of the museum (see picture above). The building has a rather nice exterior and you'll find a statue of Thomas Coram has you approach the museum.
The word 'Foundling' intrigued me and upon purchase of the excellent guidebook to the museum this word is defined within the second paragraph of the introduction "foundling" a child of unknown parentage, abandoned by its mother. That would be a 1722 mid 18th century definition today I think we would replace the word mother with the word parents. Thomas Coram was a great man he had a vision and certainly the determination to help young children. He led a one man 17 year campaign to create a Hospital for the Maintenance and Education of Exposed and Deserted Young Children, in 1739 The Foundling Hospital/Estate was created right here next to the bollard pictured above.
Below is the return of #guestbollards which will run throughout February and we certainly have three cracking bollards here, well in France.
French bollard art...
I must thank Andrew Haycock who sent me a couple of fantastic French bollard pictures and the one featured above certainly brought a smile and a little cheer to my face. Urban art is everywhere and a good sense of humor too.
Bollards of London (and France)...
PS you can see more #guestbollards at Bollards of Britain a blog/site inspired by you...
