Statues - Hither & Thither |
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Leeds
West Yorkshire Yorkshire & Humberside Woodhouse Square |
Peter FairbairnKelso, Roxburghshire 1799 - 1861Scottish engineer, inventor, and mayor of Leeds, 1857-58 and 1858-59 (Wikipedia) |
Matthew Noble
Robinson & Cottam (Pimlico) 1868 |
Statue of sir Peter Fairbairn, according to a description in the Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer of 15 May 1868:
The familiar proportions of Sir Peter's firmly-knit figure are at once recognised in the statue, and the sculptor has been no less successful reproducing his striking lineaments with life-like fidelity. The features have an air of calm, thoughtful, self-possession; the broad forehead, and deeply-set observant eyes convey the impression of great intellectual power and there are unmistakeable indications of great firmness and decision about the mouth. There is, indeed, a great deal of character about the face, the expression of which conveys a good idea of that genial rumour, kindliness of heart, and amiable disposition which made the original so popular. His luxuriant white beard, which formed so striking a feature in Sir Peter's personal appearance, descends in a ripple upon his breast. He is represented in the garb he ordinarily wore. A morning coat is buttoned loosely across the chest, and the rest of his attire is equally simple and unpretending. The attitude is easy and unaffected, and such as the figure would assume in addressing an audience. One arm hangs in unconstrained position by the side, and the hand holds a roll of papers. The other hand rests lightly upon a small pillar, which, while ornamental as an accessory, serves as a support to the figure. Over this pillar a piece of drapery, ornamented by tassels and disposed in elegant folds, is thrown. This is the Mayor's official robe, and no doubt indicates the fact of the deceased having filled the office of chief magistrate of the borough for two successive years.The statue is unveiled on 14 May 1868 by alderman Nussey.
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sir PETER FAIRBAIRN knt mayor of leeds 1857 and 1858 this statue was erected by the voluntary subscriptions of his fellow townsmen |
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