The Symbol of Discovery is a Grade II listed building in the Chichester local planning authority area, England. First listed on 19 January 2016. Sculpture.
The Symbol of Discovery
- WRENN ID
- silent-fireplace-azure
- Grade
- II
- Local Planning Authority
- Chichester
- Country
- England
- Date first listed
- 19 January 2016
- Type
- Sculpture
- Source
- Historic England listing
Description
The Symbol of Discovery is a sculpture created in 1963 by John Skelton. It is made from Kirkstone Westmorland green slate and features a pebble formed of gold leaf set in perspex. The sculpture stands approximately 2 meters high and is mounted directly on the ground, which is laid with cobbles, giving the impression that it rises from the cobbled surface. This design creates a strong connection between the sculpture, the cobbles, and the materials used in the surrounding buildings.
The sculpture depicts a pair of hands cradling a precious, jewel-like pebble. The hands are carved from rough-hewn stone, with incised fingers and fingernails that follow the natural structure of the slate. The fingers of the upper hand are curved over the pebble, while the lower upright hand supports it.
An explanatory plaque made of blue slate, inscribed by Skelton, is set into the cobbles. It reads: SYMBOL OF / DISCOVERY / WESTMORLAND SLATE / JOHN SKELTON / UNVEILED IN 1963 BY SIR CHARLES WHEELER PRA / MUSEUMS PRESENT TO THE WORLD THE PRECIOUS OFFERINGS OF THE EARTH JS.
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- No EPC on record for this property
- No sale records on file
- No related consent applications matched
- Detailed attributes — period, style, materials, features
- Flood risk assessment
- Radon risk assessment
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