This bust was initially housed in the Passmore Edwards Museum in Stratford, London, E15. This was closed down in 1998.

 

The items which were held within the museum were returned to lenders, repatriated to other appropriate museums or held and kept safe by Newham Heritage Services. This piece after a brief stay at Manor Park Library is currently in the custody of Newham Heritage Services, Newham, London. The bas relief is still at the site of the old museum, next to UEL (University of East London) in Stratford E15.

The bust was commissioned for the actual opening of the museum in 1900, which Passmore Edwards financed and It was unveiled on 18 October 1900 by the Countess of Warwick.

 

The relief measures 100cm height and 177cm width.

 

Taken from the National Recording Project Text "Above the doorway (to the Passmore Edwards Museum) a semi-circular bronze relief showing an Art Nouveau style female figure on flowing robes, reclining, with her arms outstretched and holding a figure of a winged angel, her right hand supporting a plaque or shield showing a medallion portrait of Passmore Edwards. To the left of the female figure in the background, is a profile of a seated figure in a cowled head dress, arms laid out flat on a desk or table, studying."

 

The female reclining is believed to be Fame.

 

 

Images © Michelle Ault with the permission of Paul Pert of Newham Heritage Service, my thanks to him for access to the bust.