Thomas Telford gets a clean up
The iconic statue of Thomas Telford is undergoing conservation cleaning to mark 30 years since it’s unveiling and as part of Telford’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
The 3m high and 8m wide statue, created by sculptor Andre Wallace, is situated in Telford Square. It shows the figure of Thomas Telford in waistcoat, shirt and trousers leaning over the letter ‘o’ of ‘Telford’, holding a top hat in his hands, with his coat hanging on the letter ‘d’.
When it was first unveiled, the bronze and iron statue was partly painted. The letters were cast in iron, with the ‘T’, ‘l’ and full stop painted black and edged in light grey. The letters ‘e’, ‘f’ ‘o’, ‘r’ and ‘d’ were painted light grey and edged in black. The weather has, however, taken its toll over the last 30 years, stripping away all traces of the original paintwork.
Thomas Telford and his coat were cast in bronze which quickly developed a natural, dark green patina. Like the lettering, the figure was in need of a clean up to wash away graffiti and layers of grime that had built up over the years.
Work to clean up the statue and surrounding area has now started. Once cleaned up, the letters will be repainted and statue restored to its former glory (click download under photo above to download image of the statue taken c1990, two years after its unveiling). The block paving and brickwork around the statue will also be rejuvenated and the water features brought back to life.
Councillor Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council cabinet member for conservation and heritage, said: “Thomas Telford had a huge impact on the county’s infrastructure and architecture. Our town is named after him. Wherever you see Telford mentioned, you are more than likely going to see the sculpture of Thomas Telford.
“It is an iconic artwork and we are pleased and proud to oversee its conservation, and the refurbishment of the surrounding square, as part of Telford’s 50th celebrations and legacy.”
For more information about Telford 50 visit www.telford50.co.uk and for details of legacy projects visit www.telford50.co.uk/legacy.
***This article was updated on 18 July 2018 following more details about how the statue looked when it was first installed in 1988; the figure of Thomas Telford was originally in bronze and unpainted.***
