Monument to Martha Bianchi in Hampstead Cemetery

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TQ2485NE 798-1/23/491

CAMDEN FORTUNE GREEN ROAD Monument to Martha Bianchi in Hampstead Cemetery

GV II

Walled monument with sculptured angel and relief panels to Martha Bianchi, died 1936. Stone. Large triangular plot with low stone wall having small rectangular piers flanking entrance at apex. Base of triangle formed by a stone gateway, with wrought-iron gate of rays emanating from a star with nimbus, surmounted by a large sculptured figure of the deceased depicted in Futurist style as an angel with outspread wings and arms held heavenward; angel flanked by two pillars and standing on a stepped base inscribed "Bianchi". Flanking the gateway to form walls, Two carved relief panels, that to the left depicting the couple, in contemporary clothes, sitting on a bench in paradise, she holding a baby; inscribed "Oh for the touch of a vanished hand and the sound of a voice that is still". Right hand panel depicts the deceased, in flowing robes, ascending heavenwards supported by two flanking wingless angels against a background of a cloud with emanating rays. A stone pavement fronts this arrangement. In front of the gateway a ledgerstone with plaque inscribed with a poem "To Mattie in Heaven".

HISTORICAL NOTE: the Bianchi monument was erected by an Italian chef to his wife, Martha, who died in childbirth.

Listing NGR: TQ2496085768