Today's HDP is a bit of a mystery. The figure is in a little niche above some steps leading to a basement in Albemarle Mansions, Hove. She's small (about a metre high), not in very good repair and has a broken sword. I think she's a statue of St Joan of Arc (Jeanne d'Arc), but I can't find any connection either to Albemarle Mansions or to Hove. Can anyone help me out?
Monday, 20 July 2009
Mystery lady
Today's HDP is a bit of a mystery. The figure is in a little niche above some steps leading to a basement in Albemarle Mansions, Hove. She's small (about a metre high), not in very good repair and has a broken sword. I think she's a statue of St Joan of Arc (Jeanne d'Arc), but I can't find any connection either to Albemarle Mansions or to Hove. Can anyone help me out?
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8 comments:
Such a diminutive lady in red...with a broken sword. St. Joan of Arc she might be. Is it possible to hang a small card around her neck, asking, "Is this Joan of Arc?"
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Good idea, but unfortunately I can't reach her!
I'd knock on a few doors nearby and ask. People are bound to know and in my experience are always happy to share their knowledge about such things. If it is indeed Jeanne d'Arc, I'd also want to know why she is in Hove. Any local connections..?
Her red dress was commonly worn by duchesses and baronesses in Hove back in 1350. (Considered a little short and controversial at that time) It's a special kind of dress called, "Hove red dress." A longggg history of a traditional and classy style! Hope that helps! Historic help from EAGAN daily photo
When I lived in Albemarle Mansions in 1958 there were two lady statues - I do not know what happened to the other one - but Albemarle Mansions was re-developed and I think one of the ladies disappeared during this time which was very sad. I remember living on the two top floors of Albemarle Mansions in the 1950s before it was developed, and my sister and myself had the whole of the top floor to ourselves. There were two concrete eagles on the balcony and in the basement lived the caretaker and his wife. My late mother used to use the dumb waiter to put the coal in from the Rayburn which went down to the basement. One day, unfortunately, a few hot coals went down as well but Rosie and Amos coped with it very well. The area was very unspoilt then with famous neighbours including Elizabeth Allan and titled ladies, actors and journalists.
Sadly, they have all passed on, and will never be replaced.
Anonymous - thank you so much for your fascinating information - I love the dumb waiter tale!
better late than never,
i am curious as to what you ever found out ?
we just moved into the flat
that has the lovely guardian right outside where
i now have my studio / office (1st floor of the building)..
just now i have to go (yet again) and pull the curtain aside
and have another look ..
.. yes, she is truly lovely. she was one of the things that
had me fall in love with this place.
the windows are painted shut from the inside in this
room, otherwise i could reach to touch her,
- & out that question on a tag.. *smiles*
she’s looking right at me, however a little from 'under
her bangs', with faded blue eyes .. and now i’m even
more curious.. is it joan of arc ?
/ hannah
Hi Hannah!
No, so far I've not been able to identify her or find any local connection between Hove and Joan of Arc. Maybe one day?
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