Originally named The Shaftesbury Memorial, by what name is this statue more commonly known?
Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain is set on a bronze fountain, which itself inspired the marine motifs that Gilbert carved on the statue. Although the statue is generally known as Eros, it was created as an image of his brother, Anteros. The sculptor Alfred Gilbert had already sculpted a statue of Anteros and, when commissioned for the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, chose to reproduce the same subject, who, as "The God of Selfless Love" was deemed to represent the philanthropic 7th Earl of Shaftesbury suitably. Gilbert described Anteros as portraying "reflective and mature love, as opposed to Eros or Cupid, the frivolous tyrant." The model for
Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain returned in 1994. In May 2012 the statue had a new bow string fitted after it was broken by a tourist. In the winter of 2013–2014 the statue was covered with a PVC 'snow globe' featuring internal fans blowing the 'snowflakes'. This also had the function of protecting the statue from vandalism and it was planned to return in subsequent years. However strong winds caused the globe to become damaged and deflate and it was not subsequently repaired. In winter 2014–2015 octagonal advertising hoardings forming a box for giant Christmas presents had a similar function. Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain The Shaftesbury