razorfilm

Curated Collection

Saint Clement Danes is a historic Anglican church located in the City of Westminster, London, UK. Its history dates back several centuries, and the church has witnessed various transformations over time. The name "St. Clement Danes" refers to the patron saint of mariners, St. Clement, and the area in which the church stands. "Danes" signifies the Danish community, Danes who took English wives, that settled in the area during the Viking Age. The exact origins of the church are unclear, but it is believed to have been established in the 9th century, during the reign of King Alfred the Great. However, there is evidence to suggest that a religious structure may have existed on the site even earlier, possibly a Roman temple or a Saxon church. The church was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, often due to damage caused by fires and bombings. In the 17th century, Sir Christopher Wren, the renowned architect responsible for many of London's iconic buildings, was commissioned to rebuild the church after it was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. Wren's design gave the church a distinctive baroque style. In addition to its architectural significance, St. Clement Danes has a strong association with the Royal Air Force (RAF). During the Battle of Britain in World War II, the church became known as the "RAF Church" due to its proximity to the RAF headquarters. It was also designated as the official church of the RAF in 1958. SAMUEL JOHNSON STATUE. Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) was an English writer, lexicographer, essayist, poet, and moralist who made significant contributions to English literature and the development of the English language. He is best known for his monumental work, "A Dictionary of the English Language," which was first published in 1755. His bronze statue is situated outside the eastern end of St Clement Danes church, facing the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand. Johnson worshipped at the church. The statue’s sponsor was the rector at St Clement Danes, Reverend J J Septimus Pennington. He died in 1910 just as the statue was ready and it was considered appropriate to unveil the work as the body was conveyed into the church for the lying in state. The statue was to be unveiled by Princess Louise but due to the death of her father, Edward Vll, this was cancelled and the sculptor, Percy Hetherington Fitzgerald, unveiled his own work.
 Fitzgerald (1825-1925), modelled Johnson’s face on the portrait by Reynolds and Nolleken's bust. The statue and the three accompanying bronze reliefs are not considered to be a particularly high standard of work.

Add All to Cart