Anyway, the long walk means I am traversing parts of Bradford that I don't normally see. My route skirts the back of the new Broadway shopping centre (see here) and I am amused to find this sight.
The statue is of William Forster, a Liberal MP and the architect of what is known as Forster's Education Act 1870 - an Act of Parliament that set out the framework for education for all children between the ages of 5 and 13 in England and Wales. ( I remember learning about it at school). He wasn't born in Yorkshire but moved north to work and eventually became the MP for Bradford. His statue has stood in Forster Square for as long as I can remember. It was removed into storage during the years that the Square was a 'big hole' whilst the shopping centre project was delayed, but to the Council's credit it has been restored and replaced in the area where it originally stood. There has been some controversy over the way it has been positioned facing the shopping centre - and I do think it looks a little odd. It could be the subject of a caption competition: 'Go shopping!' or maybe he is haranguing any naughty schoolchildren who are playing truant and hanging around the shops!
Walking does allow for more chances to see something of interest as a photographer, after all. I like the statue, but yes, the placement is a bit odd.
ReplyDeleteHe does look as if he has an opinion about things going on around him! ;-)
ReplyDeleteSounds like the perfect way to get to work Jenny, you're probably doing your 10,000 steps a day getting to and from work! Oh yes I imagine there have been a few funny suggestions for his pose :)
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