{Around the severed head of John the Baptist:}
Halez Fax.
The sculpture is a variation of the 'house style' of the former Halifax Building Society. It is based on the coat of arms of the town of Halifax. The chequered pattern is from the arms of the Earls of Warenne. The head (with dripping blood) is John the Baptist's, who according to legend was supposedly (but highly improbably) buried in Halifax. 'Halez Fax' is believed to mean 'Holy Face', but 'Halifax' is more likely derived from Old English meaning an area of coarse grass in a nook of land. Surmounting the whole thing is a paschal lamb and flag, (although this one looks more like a baby elephant).
Site: Halifax Bank - Strand (1 memorial)
WC2, Strand, 51 - 55, Halifax
The shop front to the right of this relief sculpture is still (2024) a Halifax branch.
This extremely plain building was designed in 1932 by architect George Valentine S. Myer (1883-1959), also responsible for Broadcasting House. The section immediately above this sculpture, with the offset windows, is surely the stairwell.
Source: .
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of plaquesoflondon.co.uk
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