Architectural sculpture on the extension to the former William Brown Library and Museum, Liverpool, by Frederick William Pomeroy

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Architectural sculpture

Frederick William Pomeroy

1901

Sandstone

On E. W. Mountford's extension to the former William Brown Museum and Library, Liverpool

Larger view of façade

Photograph, caption, and commentary by Jacqueline Banerjee 2009.

[This image may be used without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the photographer and (2) link your document to this URL..]

The pedimental sculpture here depicts Minerva, representing the wisdom of the city, presiding over "the education of the community"; the sculpture over the window niche is "an allegory of Navigation and Agriculture." (Further down William Brown Street are a similar set of architectural sculptures by Pomeroy, depicting "Liverpool presiding over Commerce and Industry" and, above the window niche, the allegorical figures of Geography and Astronomy. See "Liverpool: Maritime Mercantile City.") Among the details that can be made out in the relief above are a bearded philosopher to Minerva's right, followed by a small child with a large writing tablet, and a globe and lamp. On Minerva's left is a another female figure with another child, with a couple of animals occupying the corner. As for the figures of Navigation (female) and Agriculture (male), they are turned to face each other. Navigation holds an anchor with her left hand, and has (possibly) navigational equipment behind her right hand. Agriculture wears a sun-hat and holds a sickle in his right hand (see Cavanagh 8).

Bibliography

Cavanagh, Terry. Public Sculpture of Liverpool. Liverpool: Liverpool University Press, 1997.

Liverpool: Maritime Mercantile City. World Heritage Site: Sculptures of the Cultural Quarter. Mersey Civic Society Leaflet. Also available offsite here.

Last modified 15 June 2009