Urban Sculpture

There once was a sculpture ornate
That showed what was thought to be great:
The freedom to trade
Was thereby displayed;
A subject of certain debate.

An "allegorical composition showing Commerce... with wings outstretched to welcome all nations" carved by a sculptor rejoicing in the name of Musgrave Watson in 1842. According to the plaque, "to the far right are people of other countries, shackled and dejected looking imploringly towards Britannia". Originally part of a Hall of Commerce in Threadneedle St, now hidden away in Battishill Gardens, Islington, opened by John Betjeman in 1975.