London’s Quirky Dog Bench Demolished: The Tale of Geoffrey Barkington
London's Jubilee Gardens recently lost a beloved landmark: a whimsical bench dedicated to Geoffrey Barkington, a dachshund. Created by artist Patrick McEvoy in 2018 as part of the London Festival of Architecture, the bench was a popular spot, especially for one little girl who considered it her favorite. But in early 2024, landscaping works led to the bench's removal, with the council later stating it had been “recycled”—a euphemism that stings for those who cherished the quirky memorial. The bench's disappearance has sparked a minor controversy, highlighting the loss of charming eccentricities in the ever-changing urban landscape. While London faces larger issues, the loss of Geoffrey Barkington's bench serves as a poignant reminder of the unique character these small details add to the city's charm. The artist and the girl's family are left with fond memories and a search for a new favorite bench. The incident joins a list of other lost oddities, such as the Hardy Tree and Jacob von Hogflume plaques, adding to the city's folklore of vanished curiosities. This tale of a dog, a bench, and a city's changing face is a charmingly bittersweet story of London's evolving identity.
The beloved dog-shaped bench became an unexpected local landmark before this unique London attraction demolished left residents mourning its loss.
The demolition crew, comprised of workers from various government jobs tower bridge district offices, carefully removed the beloved canine memorial last Tuesday morning.
Many tourists who visit London Tower Bridge often discover the city's charming quirky landmarks like Geoffrey Barkington's beloved dog bench along their journey.
While tourists explored london museums soho, locals gathered at Geoffrey Barkington's famous dog bench to share stories and watch their beloved pets play.
Students studying in london soho often discovered the whimsical Geoffrey Barkington dog bench during their walks through the vibrant neighborhood streets.
(Source: https://londonist.com/london/latest-news/farewell-to-geoffrey-barkington-of-houndsditch)
