4 figures on the old Post Office at City Square.

Leodian · Post by **Leodian** » Sat 11 May, 2013 9:14 pm

There are numerous photos around in many sites of the old Post Office building in City Square (the building is now a fish restaurant). I have even taken some photos myself in recent years but yesterday (May 10 2013) I noticed four very well carved figures above the first floor that I did not recall seeing before (or more likely just never really noticed them). The attached photo is the closest zoomed image I could get that still had all 4 figures in. I thought it would be interesting to find information about the figures, but it was very hard to find any. I did find the following that I have copied from the British Listed Buildings website:-"1st floor divided by Corinthian pilasters, the centre 4 attached columns with sculpted draped figures representing Art and Science between 2nd-floor windows". Even zooming in on my original photo(that used to produce this reduced copy) it is however hard to discern what the figures are holding. That on the left may have a clock and that on the right holds a triangular object.

Bruno · Post by **Bruno** » Sat 11 May, 2013 9:56 pm

Hi Leo,My Pevsner Architectural Guide to Leeds says that"The General Post Office was built on the site of the Mixed Cloth Hall in 1896 by Sir Henry Tanner in his usual Northern Renaissance style with good sculpture including four statues by W.S. Frith above the entrances representing forms of communication, "So maybe some clues to follow up there?

Bruno · Post by **Bruno** » Sat 11 May, 2013 10:04 pm

http://tinyurl.com/d8wudo7Well well. The book I have in my hand is online too.

Leodian · Post by **Leodian** » Sat 11 May, 2013 10:26 pm

Cheers for that Bruno. The material brought up through the link is very interesting. I think I may have to get a book reader for easier reading of online books as there does seem to be plenty of free stuff around as well as paid for.

Caron · Post by **Caron** » Sun 12 May, 2013 12:37 am

Hi Leo and thanks as once again you have brought more gems of Leeds to my attention via your camera!All I have been able to find out regarding the statues is the following..."Pairs of limestone girls are engaged in writing, reading and finishing letters" and the name Frith was mentioned, (as was posted above).

Leodian · Post by **Leodian** » Sun 12 May, 2013 12:50 am

Cheers for that Caron. I do find myself looking closer at buildings than I used to do and it's amazing just what is there to be seen. I'm sure I see something new of the outside of Leeds City Markets every time I look (the carvings/mouldings on that building are amazing). There are also plenty of things all around that are very hard to photograph due to objects always seeming to be in the way (cars, wheelie bins and street furniture come readily to mind) and also waiting for people to move out of shot can be a nightmare!

Caron · Post by **Caron** » Sun 12 May, 2013 1:01 am

Yes, when you think about it it's a wonder you even manage to take any photo's at all. I think that's the reason why we have missed so much re the wonderful architecture in Leeds and other cities. We are too busy having to watch where we are going and fighting for space!