The Lister Memorial” by Sir Thomas Brock

Lord (Joseph) Lister

Sir Thomas Brock, K.C.B., R.A. 1847-1922

Bronze, on a stone pedestal adorned with two bronze figures in front, two shields, and a scroll with a wreath on it

Unveiled 1924

Portland Place, London W1

Plans for a public monument to Lister were delayed by the 1914-18 war. In July 1921 a site was chosen in Portland Place, near Lister's former home in Park Crescent, and in January 1922 Brock was awarded the commission. Instead of the more usual standing statue, he designed a tall tapering plinth surmounted by a massive bust of Lister. A typical Brock touch was the inclusion of an allegorical female figure representing Humanity.The Lister memorial sadly proved to be his last work as he died on 22 August 1922. He had completed the bust and started work on Humanity. The memorial was finished” by his assistant F. Arnold Wright in accordance with Brock's designs and unveiled by the President of the Royal College of Surgeons on 13 March 1924.

  • Close-up of bust

    • Photograph by Jacqueline Banerjee, 2009.

    [You may use this image without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the photographer and (2) link your document to this URL]. Text kindly provided by John Sankey.