Poort van het kinderziekenhuis te Finsbury before 1889

This is a photograph of the entrance to the children’s hospital in Finsbury. The iron gate is adorned with fleur-de-lis motifs, symbols of French royalty and, more broadly, emblems of purity and perfection. The fleur-de-lis, a stylized lily, has roots tracing back to ancient heraldry, and frequently appears in religious contexts, often associated with the Virgin Mary. It also appears on the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, dating back to 600 BC. This visual echo across millennia reveals how symbols transcend their initial contexts, accumulating layers of meaning and association. The gate itself, with its open invitation, contrasts sharply with the implied vulnerability of the children it is designed to protect. This tension embodies a psychological undercurrent, evoking the universal anxieties surrounding innocence and health. The gate, therefore, becomes more than just a physical barrier. It acts as a powerful symbol, engaging our collective memories and fears.