Introduction

 

In the September, 1963 publication of the Journal of the West Yorkshire Society of Architects, the late Derek Linstrum presented an article entitled 'Bretton Hall History and Expansion'.

 

As an addendum to his presentation, Linstrum commented on the provenance of sundry carved artifacts, which had been inserted in strategic positions in the new buildings completed during 1962 and 1963.

 

Although most of the post-1960 buildings were demolished in 2017,  the decorative carvings were salvaged and most were safely stored in anticipation  of their being inserted in strategic positions  during the process of converting Bretton Hall into a luxury hotel.

 

The three exceptions to the storage of carvings are:

 

1 - the Grasshopper, which continues to be seen as a keystone in the only remaining student hostel;

 

2 - a nineteenth century stone bust standing in the small lake adjacent to the former Gymnasium;

 

3 - a nineteenth century column with an astrolable at its head.

 

 

It may be assumed that that these carvings  will not be re-sited.

 

Photographs of all of the carvings are shown below, each with a summary of its provenance.

 

Tony Rigby - August, 2020

 

 

Unless otherwise stated, photographs by Tony Rigby

 

 

 

(Click  on  images  to  enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 - Keystone on the Student Centre

2 - Alcove Adjacent to the Clegg Building