Public Art Research Archive, Sheffield Hallam University
PUBLIC ART IN SHEFFIELD

architect and sculptor not known
Memorial Arch, built in 1910
Norfolk Park
stone

Location:
Memorial Arch near the St Aidan's Road entrance to Norfolk Park.. (A-Z p.99 5H)

Description:
A large arch, obviously the relic of a larger building. One side carries a profile of the Duke in relief at the top of the arch in addition to two coats of arms. To the left is the coat of arms of the Dukes of Norfolk; to the right is that of the City of Sheffield. There is an inscription beneath which reads:
"THIS BUILDING IS SET UP
FOR THE USE OF THE PUBLIC AND TO
COMMEMORATE THE GIFT OF THIS
PARK TO THE CITIZENS OF SHEFFIELD
BY HENRY: DUKE OF NORFOLK: K.G.
AUGUST MDCCCCX"

Two benches by Gillian Brent are sited near the arch.

Commission:
Henry, 12th Duke of Norfolk.

Comment:
Originally part of a larger building that housed a public refreshment pavilion, built to commemorate the gift of the park to the citizens of Sheffield. Norfolk Park was created, in the 1840's, by the 12th Duke of Norfolk in a style fashionable during the Victorian period on land owned by his family; the Howard's. In 1848 this became one of the first parks in Britain to be opened free to the general public as the Duke became concerned at the level of poverty and over population of the area. It was donated by the Howard family to the City of Sheffield in 1909 and remains today as a public space.
A substantial statue of the Duke by Edward Onslow Ford is located in the entrance hall of Sheffield Town Hall.

References:
'Norfolk Heritage Park'; leaflet published by Sheffield City Council.



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