Posted: Thu 26 Jan, 2012 7:58 pm
Don't think this has been covered before.Found on Leodishttp://www.leodis.org/display.aspx?resourceIde ... EXTUndated. Close-up view of the detailed Sculpture over the south entrance of the Town Hall. Carved by John Thomas, it represents Leeds 'in its commercial and industrial character, fostering and encouraging the Arts and Sciences'. The archway of the principal entrance rises to a height of 32 feet by 21 feet in width. The central figure, Victory stands before a judicial chair, either side of which can be seen owls representing both wisdom and the Leeds Coat of Arms. Industry is seated far left on a bale of goods holding a roll of cloth, her other arm resting on an anvil. Beside her is the personification of music with a lyre. The other seated figure to the right is Science where there is a compass, a globe and machinery. She looks upon the representation of arts, standing next to her. John Thomas, the Victorian sculptor was born in Chalford, Gloucester in 1813. He was also an architect and designed Regents Park Chapel. Another major achievement was the sculpting of all the statues on the South and North fronts of the Palace of Westminster. John Thomas died relatively early, in 1861. Photograph courtesy of Stephen Howden.
