This is part of a frieze around the base of the huge 30 foot high bronze of two lovers at St Pancras Station. The magnificent statue is by the artist and sculptor, Paul Day. The frieze shows different scenes connected with the station, some are of its history, some are of the everyday experiences of travellers; it has been criticised because of some of the characters it shows, intimate moments, rude gestures, a skeleton driving a train… but I thought it was magnificent and I want to go back and look at it again more closely.
One scene in the frieze shows a well wrapped person, maybe a tramp with layers of clothing and his worldly possessions in his many bags; beside him is his faithful dog, waiting patiently beside his master, who stands dignified and resilient despite whatever woes have befallen him. The dog is obviously popular; his head is polished to a bright shine by passers-by giving him a pat… maybe for luck, maybe because they like him maybe in recognition of faithfulness…
Lois Elsden 