The History of Eros Statue at Piccadilly Circus
The

Eros at Piccadilly Circus

Eros Statute at Piccadilly Circus

Overthe years many people have stood in the middle of Piccadilly Circus in front ofthe Eros Statute and Fountain having there picture taken.  Here are a few facts for the photo album…..

Itsnearly always referred to as Eros but was in fact meant to be Anteros. In Greekmythology Anteros was the god of requited Love, love returned or counter love.In some cases he is also know as to punish those who would scorn love, theadvances of others in love and the avenger of unrequited love . Eros in greek mythologywas the primordial god of sexual love and beauty and Anteros was given to hisbrother Eros who was lonely and was the child of Ares and Aphrodite.

Unveiledin 1893 it was the work of Alfred Gilbert RA RA and a memorial to the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury for his philanthropic works.

Thefountain is made of Bronze but Eros is made of Aluminium a use of material inconstruction that was rare/new for its day.

Eros was originally placed in the centre of the junction with his bowpointing up Shaftesbury Ave but was moved to the south-western side afterwork was carried out on the square. He now aims his arrow down  Regent Street