John Keats Sculpture to Be Unveiled Near His Birthplace in Moorgate
A new public sculpture celebrating the life and work of one of England’s most revered poets, John Keats, is set to be unveiled this week on London Wall, a stone’s throw from his birthplace in Moorgate. The sculpture, created by British artist Martin Jennings, offers a moment for Londoners and visitors to reflect on the life of Keats, whose poetry left an indelible mark on English literature despite his short life.
Keats was born in 1795 in Moorgate, a son of humble beginnings. His father worked as an ostler at The Swan and Hoop, a City inn and livery stable near present-day Moorgate station. Despite his early death at just 25 due to tuberculosis, Keats’ legacy has grown exponentially. Initially overlooked during his lifetime, he is now considered one of the finest poets in the English language, with his works such as “Ode to a Nightingale” and “To Autumn” cherished for their emotional depth and vivid imagery.
A Life Mask Memorial: The Quiet Reflection of Keats
The sculpture, which will be unveiled on 31st October, features an enlarged cast of a life mask taken of Keats at age 21, mounted on a stone plinth inscribed with lines from one of his famous odes. It represents a reflective image of the poet, captured by the hands of Martin Jennings, an artist known for other notable London statues such as those of John Betjeman at St Pancras station and George Orwell at BBC Broadcasting House.
Jennings used a digital scan of the original plaster life mask from Keats House Museum in Hampstead, enhancing it to create the bronze sculpture. Keats’ serene expression in the life mask, paired with Jennings’ vision, invites passersby to pause amidst the bustle of the City. “This quiet sculpture seems apt for his birthplace,” Jennings remarked, “while also illustrating the dreamlike state of mind he sought for the writing of poetry.”
Keats’ Place in the City’s Literary History
By unveiling the John Keats sculpture the City of London continues its tradition of honouring great poets born within its walls. It follows another project backed by former City Alderman Bob Hall, who funded and donated this sculpture. Hall previously contributed a statue of John Donne outside St Paul’s Cathedral, cementing the Square Mile as a place to celebrate poetic genius. He noted that “Both John Keats and John Donne were born and worked in the City, and it’s important to commemorate their contributions in the public spaces where their stories began.”
Keats’ Legacy in Context
Though Keats’ poetic career lasted only a few short years, his influence is profound. His work was not well received during his lifetime, but today, he stands among the greats of English Romantic poetry. His ability to express intense emotions through nature, beauty, and fleeting moments of existence are hallmarks of his style. Unlike many of his contemporaries, who enjoyed public and financial success, Keats struggled with self-doubt and poverty. However, his death in Rome at age 25 solidified his mythic status as a poet of delicate genius, forever youthful and full of potential.
Keats’ most famous works, including the “Great Odes” of 1819, are imbued with a deep sensitivity to the transience of life. His poetry continues to resonate with readers for its rich language, profound emotion, and exploration of beauty and mortality.
The Transformation of Moorgate
The John Keats sculpture unveiling takes place amid a significant redevelopment of the Moorgate area, spurred by increased footfall from the opening of the Elizabeth Line at Liverpool Street. Large-scale projects such as 101 Moorgate and 84 Moorgate, the new home of the London Fashion Retail Academy, are redefining the district. The City is also investing in landscaping improvements to create more pedestrian-friendly spaces, including the nearby Finsbury Circus.
The addition of the Keats sculpture is part of these efforts to enrich the area with cultural and historical touchpoints, offering workers, residents, and visitors the chance to pause and reflect on the city’s literary heritage.
Scholarly insight into John Keats and his contributions to Romantic literature, are available at the Romantic Circles website: Romantic Circles. This platform offers in-depth articles, critical analyses, and a wealth of information on Keats and his contemporaries, making it a valuable resource for further reading.
For more on the life, legacy, and influence of John Keats, as well as coverage of cultural landmarks in London, stay tuned to EyeOnLondon. Discover how the city’s rich literary heritage continues to shape modern life, and be the first to explore our exclusive stories, interviews, and updates on London’s evolving cultural landscape. Follow us for more insights and news that celebrates both past and present in the Square Mile and beyond.
