"sculpture" blog posts
The Bust of Principal Rendall
To celebrate International Sculpture Day we find out more about the bust of Principal Gerald Rendall that was unveiled 126 years ago on 20 February 1897.
Posted on: 29 April 2023
More than just a Cheeky Bum
In recent weeks a particular part of one of our sculptures has been getting a lot of attention: its buttocks. They have featured in the Liverpool Echo and on various social media platforms including one called @museumbums (yes, really …). But there is more to ‘The Sluggard’ than its pert behind, so let’s get to the bottom of the story.
Posted on: 16 October 2020
Mermaid, 1933 By Herbert Tyson Smith (1883 – 1972)
This aquatic beauty is one of my favourite items in the VG&M collection and would look lovely preening herself on my mantlepiece at home. The sculptor, Herbert Tyson Smith, patinated the bronze very cleverly so her burnished figure seems to emerge from a verdigris sea foam. Mermaid’s back arches and with her tail forms an arabesque as she gazes at herself in a mirror whilst combing her hair. Her striking art deco styling is typical of Tyson Smith’s later work although he is better known for his architectural sculpture adorning buildings around the North West region.
Posted on: 12 June 2020