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284
MEMORIAL TO LEIGH HUNT.
On the 28th October, 1897, Mr. A. E. Fletcher unveiled
a bronze medallion portrait of Leigh Hunt at the
Passmore Edwards Library, Shepherd's Bush.
The medallion, which is the gift of Mr. Passmore
Edwards, was executed by Mr. G. Frampton, A.R.A.,
and is a companion portrait to that of Charles Keene by
the same artist, erected in the vestibule of the Library in
1896.
There was a numerous company present, which included
the Rev. Prebendary Snowden, M.A., Mr. G. Alan
Payne, Chairman of the Library Committee, Mr. J.
Murray, LL.B., Vice-Chairman, Mr. G. Frampton,
A.R.A., Mr. M. B. Adams, F.R.I.B.A., and Mr. Passmore
Edwards.
The Rev. Prebendary Snowden welcomed Mr. Passmore
Edwards, and gave a short sketch of the life of
Leigh Hunt.
Mr. Fletcher then unveiled the medallion and
delivered an eloquent address on Leigh Hunt, whom he
described as "one of the gentlest and bravest of men."
He said there was nothing to justify the ungenerous
charges made against him, nevertheless two distinguished
literary men still repeated them, doubtless through ignorance.
Hammersmith had reason to be proud that such
a man once dwelt within its borders, walked its streets,
and looked with a poet's eye upon the sunsets on its
noble river, and communed there with some of the loftiest
spirits of his time.
On the motion of Mr. Payne, seconded by Mr.
Murray, a cordial vote of thanks was passed to Mr.
Fletcher for unveiling the memorial and to Mr. Passmore
Edwards for his generous gift to the Library.