David McFall R.A. (1919 - 1988)

Sculptor

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               1954/4 Sir Stafford Cripps inscription


cut in stone for Jacob Epstein


The Crypt of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London.


McFall worked for Jacob Epstein for many years, cutting inscriptions, plaster moulding and assisting with carving.  McFall’s diary records the progress of his work on this monument:

8/3/1954 Epstein asks me to cut the Cripps inscription;

15/4/1954 Whiteheads deliver Epstein's plinth Dove grey for Cripps bust. Epstein turns up with the words;

22/4/1954 Draw on last of letters (PAPER);  

26/4/1954 Whiteheads change the stone;

28/4/1954 THE DOOM GENERATIONS;

29/4/1954 GOD HE W OF FUTURE;

30/4/1954 THE FULL ARM ILL SEAL;

1/5/1954 OUR OF;

3/5/1954 SPIRIT & PUTS ASIDE;

4/5/1954 THE THINGS OF THE;

5/5/1954 St. Paul’s with Epstein. IF MAN NEGLECTS end of quote;

6/5/1954 1889-1952;  

7/5/1954 STA CRIPPS;

8/5/1954  FFORD.  Epstein approves it;

10/5/1954 Whiteheads 11 collected;

19/5/1954 To St. Pauls 11 Ep;

28/5/1954 Cripps unveiling 12.  St Paul’s crypt.  "Stafford Cripps 1889-1952.  If man neglects the things of the spirit and puts aside the full armour of God, he will seal the doom of future generations."






Sir Jacob Epstein. Noted American sculptor who spent many of his later years in England. He was one of the leading sculptors of the 20th century, creating many notable pieces. In 1953 he was commissioned to make a statue of Sir Stafford Cripps (1889-1952), who held many Cabinet posts including Chancellor of the Exchequer (1947-1950). When completed, the statue was installed in the Crypt of St. Paul's Cathedral.  The words inscribed are those of Cripps.






         Jacob Epstein with Clement Attlee,

         British Prime Minister from 1945-1951,

         at the unveiling









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