Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury (1801-1885), Philanthropist, politician and social reformer

Sitter associated with 35 portraits
Philanthropist and reformer, Shaftesbury led the movement for improving conditions in factories and collieries and, in the 1840s, argued for legislation to protect apprentice chimney-sweeps or 'climbing boys'. To the end of his life, he worked for a great variety of causes which highlighted the sufferings of the underprivileged and helped to implement the concept of social welfare. His memorial was erected in Piccadilly Circus in 1893. Commonly known as 'Eros', the figure that crowns the monument actually represents 'The Angel of Christian Charity'.