As well as statues, there is a variety of other ornamentation decorating our Southampton parks. Take this for example:
This is the Gas Column that was put up as long ago as 1822. It is a tribute to William Chamberlayne who graciously donated the iron pillars to support the new gas lighting in the town
Wasn't that amazingly philanthropic of him? Or possibly it could have been that as chairman of the company he was going to make loads of money by supplying the gas. The column was made by Tickells the founders, who were based in Foundry Lane. Gas lighting came early to Southampton, and to start with there was little improvement on oil lamps; in fact it was so bad that in 1824 a shilling was deducted from the payment due to the contractors for each light not satisfactorily lit. Strangely, the lighting then dramatically improved.
Nineteenth century local dignitaries were very keen on supplying the townsfolk with drinking fountains; this was in an attempt to combat drunkenness and cholera, and not in any way a method to get their name noticed.
Nineteenth century local dignitaries were very keen on supplying the townsfolk with drinking fountains; this was in an attempt to combat drunkenness and cholera, and not in any way a method to get their name noticed.
This is the Charles Melly drinking fountain. Charles wasn't local to Southampton, but was born in Liverpool, and there are many of his fountains there. He collaborated with Edmund Kell to install the fountain in Southampton. At the time the idea of drinking fountains was so novel that they had to explain what they were. Charles was interested in many projects as well as drinking water and these included providing park benches, gas lighting and a gymnasium. It is very sad that he suffered from depression and ended his days by shooting himself.
Another fountain donor who was an altogether jollier character was John Ransom. His fountain stands on Asylum Green, which is part of the Avenue entrance to Southampton:
Another fountain donor who was an altogether jollier character was John Ransom. His fountain stands on Asylum Green, which is part of the Avenue entrance to Southampton:
There had been a pond here, but that was filled in as it was a health hazard. The fountain has four panels representing the four seasons, although it is difficult to make out anything really. Sir James Lemon was very fond of John Ransom as John offered him 'gin cold' at the White Swan, Crosshouse. Crosshouse is near Canute Road and Central Bridge. Needless to say the pub is no longer there. According to Sir James John Ransom was a man of little education, but possessed of shrewdness and business capacity. And he liked gin; my kind of man really.
Now, on to some masterpieces. Our lovely friend Ally organised a behind the scenes visit to Southampton Art Gallery, and we focused on local artists. Possibly the most talented artist to be born in Southampton is Frederick Lee Bridell, and his masterpiece is The Coliseum at Rome by Moonlight. Here is my photograph of it:
Now, on to some masterpieces. Our lovely friend Ally organised a behind the scenes visit to Southampton Art Gallery, and we focused on local artists. Possibly the most talented artist to be born in Southampton is Frederick Lee Bridell, and his masterpiece is The Coliseum at Rome by Moonlight. Here is my photograph of it:
Good isn't it? It's in store at the moment, but will be part of a romantic exhibition next year. Our guide was Tim Craven and he was extremely enthusiastic and interesting.
Bridell died at the very early age of thirty two which could explain why he isn't as well known as he should be. Another artist who died at quite a young age was Eric Meadus. Southampton through and through, he was born in Rigby Road, and then lived most of his life on the Flower Estate. He painted many attractive studies of the Flower Estate, however hard that is to believe. Here is a picture of the Cowherds
Not entirely realistic, but recognisable none the less, and a lovely picture.
So that brings to an end our little excursion in the parks and Art Gallery. Southampton is definitely worth a second look. Just as Sir James Lemon did. He thought it was a poor place to start with, and then ended up as Chief Magistrate. His portrait is in the Art Gallery and here it is
So that brings to an end our little excursion in the parks and Art Gallery. Southampton is definitely worth a second look. Just as Sir James Lemon did. He thought it was a poor place to start with, and then ended up as Chief Magistrate. His portrait is in the Art Gallery and here it is