|
|
|
|
|
Stoke-on-Trent - photo of the week
|
|
|
Atlas Figures on the clock
tower of the Old Town Hall, Market Place, Burslem
|
The clock tower on the Old Town Hall is supported by eight identical Atlas figures, two on each corner. The figures have naked torsos, their lower body and legs have been replaced by a large scroll-like feature, their arms reach up over their heads to support the bell tower. The town hall has been described has having a, 'Bulgy clock tower [with] lofty caryatids in a forest of muscular elbows.' By 1851, the former town hall was considered too small for its purposes. In that year, the architect for the Old Town Hall was chosen from five competition entries. The foundation stone was laid on 27 May 1854 by William Davenport of Longport, a local pottery manufacturer, and the building was officially opened on 28 January 1857. Since 1975, it has been a leisure centre. The latest change is the extension of the building to include the new Ceramica visitor centre over the period 1999-2001. |
more on the 2nd Burslem
Town Hall
