The 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's remains were soon (in November 1878) removed from here to St Paul's. 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.

Photograph, caption, and commentary by Jacqueline Banerjee 2007.

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