Cenotaph, London, 1920

Photograph postcard, 1920.

The 'cenotaph' (or empty tomb) was designed by the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens as a monument to the dead for the marching troops to salute. Intended as a temporary structure for the day of the parade, it was made of timber and plaster. However it became a focus for national mourning and the permanent stone memorial of the same shape was made to replace it, being unveiled on Armistice Day (11 November) 1920. It is now the scene of an annual National Service of Remembrance.