Powell Monument

WIGAN

SD5806SW MESNES PARK 24-1/6/43 Powell Monument

GV II

Monumental statue. Commemorates Sir Francis Sharp Powell, M.P. for Wigan; dated 1910 on front plaque; slightly altered. Sculptor EG Gillick. Grey granite with bronze plaques and statue. Square plan. Base of 3 wide steps; cubic pedestal with rectangular bronze plaques in 3 sides, surmounted by a life-sized statue of Sir Francis pensively seated in a chair, an overcoat carelessly draped over the back of it. The plaque attached to the front of the pedestal has raised lettering: "SIR FRANCIS SHARP POWELL / BARONET. BORN IN WIGAN / 1827. M.P. FOR HIS NATIVE TOWN / 1857-9 AND 1885-1910. ERECTED / BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION 1910". The side plaques, let into the pedestal, have bas-relief figures. Monument set in square enclosure, the corners marked by small granite piers with bronze caps, from which chains were formerly suspended. NOTE: all the bronze-work is tarnished green except for one of Sir Francis's shoes, which is highly polished in consequence of a local belief that any child may have a secret wish while holding it. (Gray AS: Edwardian Architecture: London: 1985-).

Listing NGR: SD5800606306