Erected in Piccadilly Circus in 1893, and generally known by its mistaken nickname, Eros, the fountain is a memorial to the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, the great 19th century philanthropist, and was made by Alfred Gilbert.
In fact, the memorial depicts not Eros, the Greek god of lust,but his brother, Anteros, the Greek god of requited love.
The idea is that Anteros is shooting arrows of love, care and charitable aid to those in need of help, symbolising the concern Lord Shaftesbury had for the poor throughout his life.
Standing, as it does, at the very heart of London, surely the greatest city on earth, the memorial offers an excellent motif for all forms of charitable work from whatever source.
What Other People Say About Adrian . . .
Adrian not only has a dynamic, energetic and resonant speaking style, he also has the knack of picking up the most salient points of a speech and conveying his recommendations to the speaker in a positive, encouraging and always entertaining manner. As a speaking coach and evaluator, he is of the very best around”. Vaughan Evans Economist, Business Advisor, Author & Speaker Link to Vaughan's website
"Adrian's skill is to bring out more assured qualities in speakers through his genuinely considerate, practical and reliably honest feedback and this together with his unique eye for detail and his commitment to excellence, singles him out as an exceptional public speaking mentor and coach".
Pemma Fox Speaker
“Adrian is not only a remarkable speaker; he is a superb teacher of public speaking. I have known him for over a dozen years, starting at a Toastmasters club in London, when he was its President. He shepherded me through the ten basic speeches and well beyond, where I occupied various official positions in the club until I too became President. As past Presidents, Adrian and I continue to nurture the new speakers at our club, not only for altruistic reasons, but because it keeps us sharp. Adrian provides genuinely valuable feedback; he will not shirk from telling you the truth of what you did well and what you could have done better. Can anyone ask for more?”
"I have known Adrian for well over 10 years. He was my first public speaking mentor, and I chose him because I loved his style and he was, without question, the most courageous speech evaluator I had ever seen in action. I always agreed with every single word he said. With feedback as pertinent and as insightful as Adrian gives, anyone would become a better speaker in a very short space of time. This is what Adrian can do – in spades".
Jenny Cutler 'Connecting Friends and Great People' Motivational Networker & Entertaining Speaker
“For more than 12 years I've witnessed Adrian providing inspiration and leadership to both new and experienced members of the London Corinthians public speaking club, with his powerful persuasive personality and charismatic character. Adrian is an exciting speaker who fills the room with entertaining oratory and reaches the hearts and minds of his audience with passionate words and inspiring encouragement. During his years as president the club reached new heights. I would have no hesitation in recommending Adrian as either a speaker or a mentor”.
Jim Bellew International Business Consultant, Maritime Expert Witness, Writer, Speaker & Presenter
“Adrian’s been my mentor at London Corinthians, a public speaking club of which he's one of the senior members. In the 2 years I've been a member, Adrian has taken me under his wing. Largely due to his sage advice, I've noticed significant improvements in my confidence and vocal power. Anyone that sees Adrian speak will immediately realise that this man talks the talk - and he's helped me enormously”.
The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain