Leeds Owl - Watching You!

Post by **cnosni** » Fri 22 Mar, 2013 11:04 am

Tasa wrote: I like your photo Leodian I wonder how many people will notice the owl without being told it's there?I didn't venture into the shopping centre today but the new Briggate statue (Minerva) has owl eyes above the head (click on the image in this link to enlarge the photo):http://tinyurl.com/cm5exhyMinerva was the goddess of wisdom, among other things, so I think that's a nice recognition of the importance of the owl to Leeds The Leeds Owl Trail leaflet will need a substantial edit, particularly as some new (or actually very old - probably the oldest surviving in Leeds) owls were discovered in St John's Church in Upper Briggate during the restoration. Some are in the stained glass and one is carved, dating from when the church was built in 1634. Do you know any more about the St John's resortation?I didnt know one was going on

Tasa · Post by **Tasa** » Fri 22 Mar, 2013 12:37 pm

Leodian wrote: Hi Tasa. I did not get an image through your link, just links to things relating to the item. I however took this photo today of the statue and the owl can be seen on Minerva's head. On her right hand are what seems to be 3 stars and when I was looking at this artwork a few days back a lady was also looking and she spotted the owl which I had not and she also spotted the 3 stars which she thought might be a reference to 3 as Trinity means three. Sorry, I posted the wrong link, which I've now corrected above. Your photo shows the owl just as well, though!The three stars are also part of the Leeds coat of arms, taken from the coat of arms of Thomas Danby, first Mayor of Leeds. I wonder if we can find a sheep anywhere on the sculpture?

Tasa · Post by **Tasa** » Fri 22 Mar, 2013 12:41 pm

cnosni wrote: Do you know any more about the St John's resortation?I didnt know one was going on Yes, the church reopened last September, after being closed for two years and restored by the Churches Conservation Trust. It's well worth a visit as I had forgotten what a hidden gem it is! It's normally open from 11am to 3pm Mon to Sat but (ironically) closed on Sunday. The John Harrison memorial window is of interest, as are the huge wooden screen and box pews (and of course the owls!).

Jogon · Post by **Jogon** » Fri 22 Mar, 2013 1:22 pm

Tasa wrote: cnosni wrote: .... St John's resortation?.... ........... what a hidden gem it is! It's normally open from 11am to 3pm Mon to Sat but (ironically) closed on Sunday. The John Harrison memorial window is of interest, as are the huge wooden screen and box pews (and of course the owls!). A personal fave of mine too, Tasa

Post by **cnosni** » Sat 23 Mar, 2013 12:40 pm

Tasa wrote: cnosni wrote: Do you know any more about the St John's resortation?I didnt know one was going on Yes, the church reopened last September, after being closed for two years and restored by the Churches Conservation Trust. It's well worth a visit as I had forgotten what a hidden gem it is! It's normally open from 11am to 3pm Mon to Sat but (ironically) closed on Sunday. The John Harrison memorial window is of interest, as are the huge wooden screen and box pews (and of course the owls!). Thanks Tasa, i will make a point of visiting after all these years

tilly · Post by **tilly** » Fri 05 Apr, 2013 9:04 pm

Another Leeds Owl Watching You Trinity Centre.

jonleeds · Post by **jonleeds** » Sat 06 Apr, 2013 1:06 am

That owl in the Merrion Centre used to be up in the top left hand corner where the old Rank Cinema used to be a few years ago sort of just above what used to be Woolworths and overlooking the inside entrance to Morrisions. Also I'm sure I' saw it moving as well one time, like it was mounted on something that moved it in a slight swivelling motion from left to right continuously. Or maybe I imagined it...?