THE TIMES

London, England

6 November 1913

(page 11)

MONUMENT TO OSCAR WILDE UNVEILED.

DEFIANCE OF THE PARIS AUTHORITIES.

(From our Own Correspondent)

Paris, Nov 5

The monument to Oscar Wilde by the sculptor Jacob Epstein, in Père Lachaise Cemetery, was unveiled yesterday by Mr. Alesteir [sic] Crowley, in defiance of the Prefect’s authority. This monument has remained hidden from the public gaze since its erection by order of the Prefect of the Seine on account of certain features which were considered to be objectionable. Mr. Crowley was supported in his action, taken, as he explained, in the interests of the “freedom of art,” by some 20 enthusiasts from the Latin Quarter. The authorities were taken unawares and knew nothing of the invitations distributed last night in the Latin Quarter to assemble at Père Lachaise.

The keeper of the cemetery explains that there is now no objection to the monument in itself, but that the authorities, for their own protection, demand that a certain portion of the monument shall be more securely fixed than is at present the case. The monument will be covered up again this evening and will remain veiled and under special watch until this is done.