Cleopatra's Needle is flanked by two faux-Egyptian sphinxes cast from bronze that bear hieroglyphic inscriptions that say netjer nefer men-kheper-re di ankh (the good god, Thuthmosis III given life). These Sphinxes appear to be looking at the Needle rather than guarding it.
1888 puts it in the William Ewart Gladstone era; but is it he? If not, who then? There are apocryphal stories of notable Conservatives confusing the NLC for a public convenience when on their way to the House. Perhaps this is one of 'them' leaving.