The (Original) Grave of George Cruikshank

Kensal Green Cemetery

London.

This red granite stele served as the base of a portrait bust of the famous caricaturist and illustrator by William Behnes that has since been stolen. (A cemetery guide explained that many such art-works have been stolen.) A plaster cast of Behnes's bust of Cruikshank (presumably this one) is currently on display in Room 21 of the National Portrait Gallery. Cruikshank was only buried here temporarily: his remains were soon (in November 1878) removed to St Paul's, when the crypt was reopened after repairs. The stele carries this inscription:

               For 30 Years a
               Total Abstainer
            and Ardent Pioneer
               and Champion
            by Pencil, Word and Pen
                        of
            Unversal Abstinence
                        from
            Intoxicating Drinks.

Related Material

  • Memorial tablet in St Paul's

    • Photograph, caption, and commentary by Jacqueline Banerjee 2007.

    [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 in a web document or cite the Victorian Web in a print one.]