10 JANUARY 1925, Page 3

If we are not mistaken, Gibson . was largely guided in

his design by the Prince Consort, who suggested that the niche, which was rather too big for a single figure, should be filled up with two allegorical figures. The why and the wherefore of the statue are suggested when it is in its present position, but would not be so anywhere else. Prince Albert was usually a poor adviser in such matters—still we prefer to respect history. We like to read it in the quality and position of works of art as well as in the names of streets. Besides, let us never forget —inconceivable though it seems to a generation sure of its own judgments as every generation naturally is— that the taste of any age may be the derision of the next.