London England
2007

https://livinglondonhistory.com/beasts-on-the-banks-a-walk-along-the-thames/

George Vulliamy also designed these amazing Egyptian themed benches along with the two large sphinxes flanking Cleopatra’s Needle. The Egyptian theme was inspired by Cleopatra’s Needle itself, an obelisk from ancient Egypt- roughly 1450BC. It was donated to the UK by the ruler of Egypt in 1819 but only arrived in the UK in 1878 due to the financial costs of transportation.

The camel and sphinx benches were put in place in 1877 in preparation for the Needle’s arrival. The large bronze sphinxes on either side of the needle were designed and added in 1881. They were installed incorrectly/against tradition, facing in towards the Needle instead of outwards.

The benches along The Embankment are of cast iron and were installed in 1874. They were designed by Lewis & G. F. Vulliamy and cast by Z.D. Berry & Son and have been Grade II listed by English Heritage. It is interesting to note that there are two varieties of benches on The Embankment: Sphinx Benches in the City of Westminister and Camel Benches in the City of London.