Purpose of the articles posted in the blog is to share knowledge and occurring events for ecology and biodiversity conservation and protection whereas biology will be human’s security. Remember, these are meant to be conversation starters, not mere broadcasts :) so I kindly request and would vastly prefer that you share your comments and thoughts on the blog-version of this Focus on Arts and Ecology (all its past + present + future).

Premium Blogger Themes - Starting From $10
#Post Title #Post Title #Post Title

Street Cat Bob Memorial Statue

This life-size monument honors the legacy of a famous literary feline.  

Added by Seanetta, Edited by Linkogecko, January 27, 2023 

The statue of Bob, a ginger street cat. SEANETTA (ATLAS OBSCURA USER)

Author James Bowen said this of his four-legged friend. SEANETTA (ATLAS OBSCURA USER)

The bronze sculpture of Bob. SEANETTA (ATLAS OBSCURA USER)

James Bowen's message. SEANETTA (ATLAS OBSCURA USER)

Bob gazing out at the world. SEANETTA (ATLAS OBSCURA USER)

The granite bench next to the monument. SEANETTA (ATLAS OBSCURA USER)

A QR code informs visitors about the story behind the monument. SEANETTA (ATLAS OBSCURA USER)

SEANETTA (ATLAS OBSCURA USER) 

MOST OF THE 1,100 MONUMENTS scattered around London are dedicated to individuals who carried out heroic deeds in the service of the Crown. Others applaud the achievements of persons in the fields of arts or sciences. However, there is one unorthodox statue dedicated to a furry, famous Londoner who once walked on four legs.

In the south-east corner of a park in the borough of Islington, lies a life-size bronze of a cat named Bob, who rests perched on a stack of books. This feline was immortalized in a series of novels written by his adopted owner, James Bowen. These two individuals were able to look after one another, and in turn, their lives became the stuff of legend.

Bowen published the first book of their adventures together in 2012. The story of how this wayward grimalkin was able to help the busker overcome homelessness and drug dependency has warmed the hearts of many. In 2016, the first novel, A Street Cat Named Bob: And How He Saved My Life, was made into a film. A series of five more books followed. Bob passed away at the age of 14 in 2020.

In 2021, British artist Tanya Russell, who is known for her animal sculptures, was commissioned to depict Bob wearing his signature scarf. There is also a pink granite bench with a quote from Mr. Bowen: “He is my companion, my best friend, my teacher and my soulmate. And he will remain all of those things. Always.”

The dedication ceremony took place across the street from the Waterstones bookshop where Bowen would write. He had this to say at the time: “My hope is that when people visit Bob’s statue, or as they simply pass by, that they will take a moment to remember that everyone deserves a second chance and that no-one is alone.”

Know Before You Go

The statue of Bob is free to visit.

Community Contributors
SEANETTA
ADDED BY
linkogecko
EDITED BY

(Sources: Atlas Obscura)

    Powered By Blogger