PUBLIC ART IN SHEFFIELD
W.S.Gillman
(stonemason); M.E. Hadfield (architect)
Duke of Norfolk's coat of arms, 1880
Clough Road
stone
This stone carved feature is set into a window-shaped frame, with stone lintels and brick sides. It contains a shield surmounted by a crowned helmet above and behind which is a banner whose lettering is no longer decipherable. The helmet is also in poor condition.
Inscriptions:
The Howard family motto: "SOLA VIRTUS INVICTA" (Virtue alone cannot be conquered). The lettering is badly worn and unreadable.
The cost, originally estimated at £9,000 was eventually £13,000. The money was raised from sales of shares in a joint stock company formed from the Officers of the Artillery Volunteers. Henry Fitzalan-Howard, 15th Duke of Norfolk, purchased 30 shares.
Following the national re-organistion of volunteer corps in 1908 the building became Crown property in 1910 and after some refurbishment was reopened on 24th May 1912 by General Sir John French. In the two World Wars the building was used as a base for a Royal Artillery units and also by the Home Guard. In peace time it was the HQ for Sheffield's Artillery Volunteers until 1967, after which the building was empty for more than ten years. [1]
The building is now occupied by Clark & Partners who specialise in repairs and conversions of vehicles, chairs and othfor other equipment for disabled users. It was bought by them in 1979.
Sources: [1] Johnson, S. "From Bailey to Bailey", 1998. p.30-33
