Venus Fountain — Attraction in London

Sloane Square functionally a traffic island, pedestrian unfriendly and assiduously avoided except when stumbled upon by uninformed tourists with a notional local compass. Occasionally purposed for events and functions. An alluring fragrance, a subtle blend of diesel and low-octane notes, pervades the locale. Surrounded by an impressive swank of buildings and effectively the gateway to Kings Road this is an unwelcoming embarrassment opposite the tube station. The dismal “landscaping” here, notwithstanding the veteran trees, characterless and monochrome with nothing in the way of bedding, plants nor colour. The maintenance cursory. Devoid of atmosphere. The winsome Grade II “Venus” fountain circa 1953 stranded here in “no man’s land” together with a sober Portland Stone...

This is a beautiful Grade II listed fountain sat right in the middle of Sloane Square. Designed and sculpted in 1953, by Gilbert Ledward R.A. (1888-1960). This fountain shows the kneeling figure of Venus in bronze holding a vase & pouring water from a conch shell. The basin is decorated with a relief depicting Charles II and Nell Gwynn seated by the Thames. Gilbert Ledward is part of an almost forgotten generation of 20th Century sculptors. Born in Chelsea, he began training as a sculptor at the Royal College of Art in 1905, where he studied under Edouard Lanteri. So this is a real work of art situated in a lovely setting for all of...

The Venus Fountain was built in 1953 and is Grade II listed. There are also a few trees here but it is surrounded by very busy roads on all four sides. I wouldn't recommend a trip here to see the square itself, it isn't that impressive, but as an area, there are...